Travel Guide : Leh Ladakh Luxury Tour
14 May 2024 Umesh Paneru
Leh, the joint capital of Ladakh lies at an elevation of 3,500m and is the largest city in Ladakh. The city is located on the bank of the Indus River. Leh has an arid climate and mostly the region is cold due to its elevation. The Great Himalayas, high plains, beautiful lakes, deep valleys, ancient monasteries, high passes, scenic landscapes, and the route itself are the main attractions of Leh and its surroundings. There are also other prominent places in Ladakh such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, the Hemis National Park, etc. The Leh Ladakh tour is one of the best ways to explore the enchanting beauty of this beautiful place.
Ways to Get to Ladakh
There are two ways to get to Ladakh i.e. by flight or by road.
Flights from Mumbai or Delhi to Leh:
Flight is the fastest means to get to Ladakh. There are direct flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. to the International Airport to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh. The weather condition varies the flight duration to Leh.
By Road from Srinagar or Manali:
The overland tour to Ladakh is also exciting. Srinagar and Manali are the two best options to get to Ladakh by road. Admiring the picturesque beauty and surroundings through high passes, visitors can travel to Ladakh.
Attractions during the Leh Ladakh Tour
Thiksey Monastery
- An essential center for Buddhist teachings in the region.
- Located in the Thiksey village (Ladakh).
- One of the largest monasteries in Ladakh.
- Renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful paintings.
- The monastery is home to around 80 monks.
- Maitreya Buddha Statue (15m tall).
- Assembly Hall and Temples (Tara, Lamokhang).
Shey Monastery
- 17th-century ancient monastery in the Shey Village.
- Enchanting Sculptures and wall paintings.
- Spectacular surrounding views from the monastery.
Leh Palace
- Ancient palace also known as Lachen Palkar Palace.
- Constructed in 1600 AD.
- Palace Museum attractions rich collection of jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses, and crowns.
- Tibetan Thangkas and Paintings which are more than 450 years old.
Shanti Stupa
- 20th-century attractive stupa with its white dome.
- Symbol of peace and unity.
- Stunning views of surrounding landscapes.
Hemis Monastery
- 17th-century ancient monastery located at Hemis Village.
- Paintings of the Eighty-Four Mahasiddhas were created using ground mineral pigments.
- Famous Hemis Festival
Sindhu Ghat
- Beautiful ghat located on the banks of the Indus River.
- Peaceful ambiance and beautiful natural surroundings.
Pangong Lake
- World’s highest saltwater lake (4,350m).
- Change colors (appears blue, green, and red at different times)
- Crystal-clear lake.
Nubra Valley
- Lovely landscapes and picturesque villages.
- Ancient monasteries (Diskit, Samstanling, Yarma, etc.)
- Amazing Turtuk village.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna in the vicinity.
Khardung La Pass
- A high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,359 meters (17,582 feet).
- One of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Tsomoriri Lake
- Mesmerizing Tsomoriri at an elevation of 4,522 m.
- Diverse avifauna, mammals, and vegetation in the surroundings.
- Chumathang Hot Spring is on the way.
What to Expect during the Leh Ladakh Tour?
Accommodation and other infrastructures in Ladakh are not as standard as in the developed cities. So expect the basic but comfortable facilities with limited services.
Water and power scarcity are there in Ladakh (Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Jispa, Keylong, and Tso Moriri). So, generators are used to provide electricity only from 7 pm to 11 pm. Make sure to charge electronic devices during this time. Hot water for bathing is also on a timely basis (morning or evening).
There is no lift facility at almost all the hotels. Thus, visitors must climb stairs and if anyone has health issues with their legs or climbing, make sure to inform them in advance to make sure to get rooms on the ground floor.
Leh is a highly secured zone at an elevation of 3,500m so, be prepared for unforeseen weather conditions or natural calamities like landslides, road blockage, or government restrictions due to political disturbances (strikes), etc.
October to April are off-seasons and most of the hotels, guesthouses, and camps are not in operation in places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Sham Valley, Kargil, Zanskar region, etc. So, we highly recommend booking wisely and in peak seasons.
Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary Packages
We have the following Leh Ladakh tour itinerary packages of various days which visitors can select according to their time and preferences.
Ladakh Tour – 6 days (Short Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Day 2: At Leh (Local Sightseeing)
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (140 Km – 5 to 6 Hour Drive)
Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong via Shayok (210 Km – 6 Hour Drive)
Day 5: Pangong to Hemis to Leh (160 Km – 5 Hour Drive)
Day 6: Departure from Leh
Ladakh Tour – 7 days Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic flight to Leh from Delhi
Day 2: Sightseeing around Leh City
Day 3: Drive to Nubra valley via Khardung La
Day 4: Visit Diskit Monastery & Drive to Pangong Tso Lake
Day 5: Sunrise in Pangong Tso and Return to Leh via Hemis Monastery
Day 6: Thikshey Monastery and Shey Gompa Visit
Day 7: Fly to Delhi and Onward Your Destination
Ladakh Tour – 9 days Itinerary
Day 1: Reach at Leh and Overnight Stay
Day 2: Leh to Kargil via Mulbekh
Day 3: Kargil to Leh
Day 4: Leh to Nubra via Khardung la Pass
Day 5: Nubra to Turtuk to Nubra
Day 6: Nubra Valley to Pangong via Shyok
Day 7: Pangong to Tso Moriri
Day 8: Tso Moriri to Leh
Day 9: Departure
Best time to Leh Ladakh Tour
Summer and Autumn are the best time to do the Leh Ladakh tour due to favorable weather conditions, moderate temperatures, and clear surrounding views.
Summer (May to early September):
- The peak season for tourists.
- Favorable weather with clear skies, bright days, and beautiful views.
- Moderate temperature: Ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
- Best for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn (late September to October):
- The weather is fairly comfortable during the transitional period.
- Slight drop in temperature in the mornings and nights.
- Beautiful landscapes and phenomenal scenery.
Winter (November to April):
- Harsh with extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
- Limited availability of hotels, and guesthouses.
- Views are clear.
- Recommended for experienced visitors.
Best Luxury Hotels in Leh Ladakh
| Hotel | Location |
|---|---|
| The Bodhi Tree Hotel | Leh |
| The Abduz | Leh |
| Hotel The Indus Valley | Leh |
| The Grand Dragon | Leh |
| The Zen Ladakh | Leh |
| Stone Hedge | Nubra |
| Lchang Nang Retreat | Nubra |
| Snow Pine Luxury Cottage | Pangong |
Distance and Travel Duration
| Places From | Road Distances | Travel Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Leh to Nubra | 160 Km | 4 Hrs. 30 Min |
| Nubra to Pangong | 274 Km | 7 Hrs. 15 Min |
| Pangong to Tso Moriri | 328 Km | 8 Hrs. 20 Min |
| Tso Moriri to Leh | 220 Km | 4 Hrs. 50 Min |
| Leh to Kargil | 215 Km | 4 Hrs. 30 Min |
| Leh to Jispa | 334 Km | 7 Hrs. 50 Min |
| Jispa to Sarchu | 78 Km | 2 Hrs. 30 Min |
Monthly Average Temperature in Leh Ladakh
Leh is at an altitude of 3,500 m which means the temperature in this region is mostly cold. It is also suggested to pack appropriate clothes during this tour. The monthly average temperature in Leh Ladakh is tabulated below:
| Travel Months | Min Temp | Max Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15°C | -3°C |
| February | -12°C | -1°C |
| March | -6°C | 6°C |
| April | -1°C | 12°C |
| May | 3°C | 17°C |
| June | 7°C | 21°C |
| July | 10°C | 25°C |
| August | 9°C | 24°C |
| September | 5°C | 21°C |
| October | -1°C | 14°C |
| November | -7°C | 7°C |
| December | -11°C | 1°C |
Elevation Gain during Leh Ladakh Tour
| Places | Altitude (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Leh | 11,450 Ft |
| Nubra | 10,000 Ft |
| Turtuk | 9,250 Ft |
| Pangong | 13,940 Ft |
| Tso Moriri | 14,800 Ft |
| Khardung La Pass | 18,300 Ft |
| Magnetic Hill | 11,480 Ft |
| Jispa | 10,500 Ft |
| Sarchu | 14, 100 Ft |
| Zoji La Pass | 11, 500 Ft |
| Kargil | 8,700 Ft |
Tips for ‘Do’s’ or ‘Don’ts’ during the Leh Ladakh Tour
DO’S:
- Leh is at an elevation of 3,500 m, so acclimatization rest is essential and compulsory to adapt the body to the surroundings.
- Keep yourself hydrated at such a high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
- Leh and its surroundings have a cold desert-like climate so wear warm layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures (especially in the early mornings and evenings).
- Before taking photographs of locals, and monks (in the monasteries) ask for permission.
- Dress appropriately while visiting religious places and strictly follow the guidance.
- Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and seek medical aid if required.
- We suggest you carry enough cash for emergencies as the availability of ATMs is limited.
- Carry your original photo ID along with you as Leh is a high-security zone.
- Electricity is scarce in some places in Ladakh so carry extra batteries for your camera and power banks to charge mobile phones.
- Carry a water bottle and water purification tablets to prevent water-borne diseases.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking during the initial days in Ladakh.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and follow any warnings or advisories.
DON’TS:
- Avoid strenuous activities during the first few days in your Ladakh.
- Overexertion can contribute to altitude sickness so, acclimatize and take it easy.
- Don’t ignore if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness and immediately inform the guide.
- Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes while traveling in Ladakh, especially in the monasteries.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking during the entire tour if possible.
- Plastic bags are officially banned in Ladakh, so stop using them or use recycled bags.
- Don’t take pictures without permission, especially inside the monastery and restricted places.
- Don’t destroy or harm the flora in the vicinity and disturb the wildlife.
Leh Ladakh Tour Cost
Leh Ladakh Tour cost is subject to vary with different factors such as the choice of accommodation (luxury hotels), type of transportation (by flight or by road), vehicle types, group sizes, duration of the tour, activities (River Rafting, Mountain Biking, Camel Safari, Trekking, Jeep Safari, Polo, rock climbing, etc.) you take, tour season, and itinerary package you select. Besides this, if any unforeseen event arises like weather conditions, landslides, road blockage, or government restrictions the tour cost rises immediately.
Leh Ladakh Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation in a double/twin sharing room
- AC or non AC Transport.
- Meal Plan on MAP (Breakfast + Dinner)
- All Permits (Ladakh Environment Fee, Wildlife charges, Red Cross Fee, and Inner line)
- Driver allowance/toll/parking/road tax/fuel charges
- Call the Doctor’s facility
- 24/7 Local Coordinator Support
Leh Ladakh Tour Exclusions
- Air Fare, Train Fare
- Monuments Entrance Fees
- Laundry, Tips, phone calls, or any such personal expenses
- Snacks, Lunch, or any other meals
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary
- Still camera/ video camera charges/Travel insurance
- Heater charges/Oxygen cylinder
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, unforeseen events (road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc.)
- Any increase in Airlines taxes or fuel price at the time of departure
- Any item which is not mentioned in the ‘Inclusion’ section
