Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – Leh
Two Himalayan worlds in one road journey. Begin among the lakes, gardens and meadows of Kashmir — Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam — then cross Zoji La into Ladakh by way of Drass, Kargil and the moonland monastery of Lamayuru. After a day to acclimatise in Leh, continue to the dunes of Nubra Valley, a night beside Pangong Lake and the monasteries of Leh.
Arrive at Srinagar airport and transfer to your hotel or houseboat. Check in and relax. In the evening, enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, watch the sunset and explore the floating market if it is operating. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
After breakfast, visit the Mughal Gardens — Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi — and the Hazratbal area, and explore Old Srinagar and its local markets. Evening free for shopping. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Morning drive to Gulmarg. Enjoy the beautiful meadows and Himalayan scenery, walk around the resort and take in the mountain views. Optional Gulmarg Gondola ride, subject to operation and weather. Return to Srinagar by evening.
Drive towards Pahalgam through the Kashmir countryside, visiting the saffron-growing areas around Pampore when the season allows. On arrival in Pahalgam, relax beside the Lidder River. Evening free for a leisurely walk.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Pahalgam, then drive back towards Srinagar and continue to Sonamarg on a scenic Himalayan road. Reach Sonamarg in the afternoon or evening and enjoy the mountain scenery.
The beginning of your spectacular Kashmir-to-Ladakh road journey. After an early breakfast, drive towards Zoji La and continue to Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places in the world. Visit the Kargil War Memorial if time permits, then continue to Kargil. Evening rest. Overnight stay in Kargil.
One of the most scenic days of the tour. En route, see Mulbekh, the moonland landscapes, the Fotu La and Namika La region and Lamayuru Monastery, one of the important monasteries of Ladakh. Stop at Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers before arriving in Leh.
Keep the evening very relaxed, as Leh is at high altitude.
Do not plan a strenuous excursion today. After a relaxed morning, visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh Market and the old town, and stop at a local café. Optionally visit a monastery if you feel comfortable.
After breakfast, drive Leh → Khardung La → Khalsar → Diskit → Hunder. Cross the Khardung La region and reach Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery and see the large Maitreya Buddha statue, then continue to Hunder to visit the sand dunes, with an optional ride on a double-humped Bactrian camel.
After an early breakfast, drive from Nubra towards Pangong through spectacular high-altitude landscapes. Arrive at Pangong Lake and check in at your camp or cottage. Enjoy the lakeside sunset.
Watch the sunrise at Pangong Lake, then have breakfast and drive towards Leh. Depending on route and conditions, visit the Chang La area. Reach Leh by evening and rest. Free time at Leh Market.
Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery, the Rancho School (the location made famous by the film 3 Idiots) if desired, and the Indus (Sindhu) viewpoint. Return to Leh.
A comparatively relaxed sightseeing day after Nubra and Pangong.
Choose the option that suits your plans:
Transfer to the airport and fly to your onward destination.