High desert, higher skies
Ladakh
A cold desert of ochre ridges, Buddhist monasteries and lakes that change colour by the hour. Ladakh is India's most cinematic road-trip landscape.
Why visit Ladakh
- Monastery culture at Thiksey, Hemis, Diskit and Lamayuru.
- Road journeys over some of the world's highest motorable passes.
- Pangong and Tso Moriri — lakes at over 4,000 m.
- Nubra's dunes, Zanskar confluences and long empty highways.
Best places to visit
- Leh
- Acclimatisation base with old town, markets and nearby monasteries.
- Nubra Valley
- Sand dunes, Diskit monastery and Turtuk villages.
- Pangong Tso
- Long high-altitude lake best seen at sunrise.
- Tso Moriri
- Quieter alternative lake in Changthang.
- Sham Valley
- Gentle first-days circuit — Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru.
Top experiences
- Monastery morning prayers
- Motorbike or SUV road circuits
- Stargazing at Hanle-side skies
- Zanskar rafting in season
- Homestays in Changthang
Best time to visit
- May – September
- Passes open, all valleys accessible.
- October
- Sharp light, thin crowds, cold nights.
- January – February
- Winter specialists only — frozen river season.
How many days
7–9 days including two acclimatisation days in Leh.
How to reach
- Fly to Leh (IXL) — direct connections from Delhi.
- Road entry via Manali or Srinagar highways in summer only.
- Inner Line Permits are required for Nubra, Pangong and Changthang.
Travel tips
- · Plan two full rest days in Leh before crossing any high pass.
- · Hydrate, avoid alcohol on arrival, and carry prescribed altitude medication.
- · Mobile networks are limited — postpaid Indian SIMs only in most areas.
- · Fuel and ATMs thin out fast outside Leh.
Sample itineraries
7 days
Ladakh Classic Circuit
- Day 1 — Arrive Leh, rest
- Day 2 — Sham valley acclimatisation drive
- Day 3 — Leh to Nubra over Khardung La
- Day 4 — Nubra villages and Turtuk
- Day 5 — Nubra to Pangong
- Day 6 — Pangong to Leh
- Day 7 — Departure
Available journeys
Ladakh tours
6N / 7DLadakh
Ladakh High Passes
Leh, Nubra and Pangong on a properly acclimatised schedule, with monastery mornings and two nights at altitude worth waking up for.
Starting from
On request
Read before you go
Ladakh travel guides
Travel Tips
Ladakh Without Altitude Sickness: What Actually Works
Acclimatisation is an itinerary decision, not a supplement. How we sequence Ladakh trips to keep travellers comfortable.
Travelonama Travel Desk6 min read
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Ladakh travel FAQs
How many acclimatisation days does Ladakh need?
Two nights in Leh with only gentle activity before any high pass crossing is the standard, and it materially reduces altitude sickness risk.
Do I need permits in Ladakh?
Yes. Inner Line Permits are required for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri and other border areas. We arrange these as part of a planned trip.
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