A high-altitude journey across the Trans-Himalaya — whitewashed monasteries clinging to cliffs, one of the world's highest motorable passes, double-humped Bactrian camels on Nubra's dunes, and a night beside the colour-shifting waters of Pangong Tso. Paced with acclimatisation days for comfort at altitude.
Fly into Leh (3,500m) and rest for the day — light walking only, plenty of fluids, no exertion, to acclimatise to the altitude.
A gentle second day: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa at sunset, and a wander through the old town's markets, still keeping activity light.
Cross Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes, and descend into the Nubra Valley. In the afternoon, ride a double-humped Bactrian camel across the dunes at Hunder.
Drive over the Shyok route to Pangong Lake, its water shifting between blue and turquoise through the day. Overnight in a lakeside camp beneath a sky thick with stars.
Return to Leh via Chang La pass, with time to relax and recover from the road.
A day trip west of Leh to the ancient wall-paintings of Alchi Monastery and the dramatic 'moonland' landscape around Lamayuru Monastery.
A free day in Leh — browse the market, visit Hemis or Thiksey monastery, or add an optional white-water rafting run on the Zanskar River.
Transfer to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee) Airport for your onward flight.