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Ladakh Trek
High Altitude Himalayan Expedition

8 Days / 7 Nights
Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Stok Kangri
Group / Private
4.8/5 Rating

Trip Overview

The Ladakh Trek — High Altitude Himalayan Expedition is the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers and mountain lovers. This 8-day journey takes you through the most breathtaking landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, connecting the ancient Buddhist town of Leh with the stunning Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and the challenging Stok Kangri summit trek.

Begin your expedition in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, perched at 3,500 metres above sea level. Acclimatise while exploring ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and vibrant local markets. Journey through the world's highest motorable passes, camp under star-filled skies in Nubra Valley, and witness the mesmerising colour-changing waters of Pangong Tso Lake — one of the most photographed locations in India.

This carefully curated expedition includes expert mountain guides, acclimatisation days, comfortable camping and hotel stays, all permits, and 4x4 vehicle transfers. Whether you're an experienced trekker or an adventurous first-timer, this expedition offers an unforgettable experience of Ladakh's raw, untouched beauty, ancient Buddhist culture, and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Destinations

Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Stok Kangri

Max Altitude

6,153m (Stok Kangri)

Meals

All Meals Included

Transport

4x4 Vehicle + Trekking

Guide

Certified Mountain Guide

Highlights of the Expedition

Trek to the summit of Stok Kangri (6,153m) — one of the highest trekkable peaks in India
Drive over Khardung La Pass (5,359m) — one of the world's highest motorable passes
Camp beside the mesmerising Pangong Tso Lake — a stunning high-altitude lake stretching into Tibet
Ride double-humped Bactrian camels on the sand dunes of Nubra Valley
Visit the ancient Thiksey Monastery — often called the "Mini Potala Palace"
Explore the historic Leh Palace and the bustling Leh Main Bazaar
Witness the mysterious Magnetic Hill where vehicles appear to defy gravity
See the stunning confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers — two different coloured rivers merging
Experience authentic Ladakhi cuisine, butter tea & Buddhist culture
Camp under the clearest night skies — Ladakh is one of the best stargazing destinations on Earth

Expedition: Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Leh — Acclimatisation Day

Welcome to Ladakh! Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to acclimatisation — essential at 3,500m altitude.

  • Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel in Leh
  • Complete rest and acclimatisation — drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals
  • Short evening walk around Leh Main Bazaar if feeling comfortable
  • Briefing session with your expedition leader about the trek ahead
  • Welcome dinner with traditional Ladakhi cuisine
Overnight stay in Leh (Hotel).
Leh Palace Ladakh
DAY 2

Leh Sightseeing — Monasteries & Palaces

After breakfast, explore the cultural treasures of Leh. This day continues your acclimatisation while immersing you in Ladakh's rich Buddhist heritage and history.

  • Visit the majestic Leh Palace — a 17th-century royal palace with panoramic views of the Stok Range
  • Explore Shanti Stupa — a white-domed Buddhist stupa offering breathtaking sunset views
  • Visit Thiksey Monastery — a stunning 12-storey complex resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa
  • Explore Hemis Monastery — the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh
  • Drive past the Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers — a spectacular natural wonder
  • Visit the mysterious Magnetic Hill and the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Overnight stay in Leh (Hotel).
Thiksey Monastery Ladakh
DAY 3

Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

After breakfast, embark on one of the most thrilling drives in the world — crossing the legendary Khardung La Pass (5,359m). Descend into the magical Nubra Valley, known as the "Valley of Flowers".

  • Drive over Khardung La Pass (5,359m) — one of the world's highest motorable passes with stunning panoramic views
  • Photo stop at the Khardung La summit with prayer flags and snow-capped peaks
  • Arrive at Hunder Village in Nubra Valley
  • Enjoy a Bactrian camel ride on the white sand dunes of Hunder — a surreal desert in the mountains
  • Visit Diskit Monastery — the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley with a 32m Maitreya Buddha statue
Overnight stay in Nubra Valley (Camp / Guest House).
Khardung La Pass Ladakh
DAY 4

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake

After breakfast, drive from Nubra Valley to the legendary Pangong Tso Lake — one of the most stunning high-altitude lakes in the world, stretching 134 km from India into Tibet.

  • Scenic drive through the Shyok River valley — one of the most dramatic landscapes in Ladakh
  • Cross the Agham & Shyok villages — remote Ladakhi settlements
  • Arrive at Pangong Tso Lake (4,350m) — witness the mesmerising colour-changing waters from deep blue to turquoise to green
  • Visit the famous "3 Idiots" film location on the banks of Pangong Lake
  • Evening at leisure — enjoy the spectacular sunset over the lake with the Changchenmo Range as backdrop
Overnight stay at Pangong Lake (Camp).
Pangong Tso Lake Ladakh
DAY 5

Pangong Lake to Leh — Return & Rest

Wake up to a magical sunrise over Pangong Tso Lake. After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass (5,360m) — the third-highest motorable pass in the world.

  • Early morning sunrise photography at Pangong Lake
  • Drive over Chang La Pass (5,360m) — stunning views of the Ladakh Range
  • Visit Chemrey Monastery — a beautiful 17th-century monastery en route
  • Arrive in Leh — afternoon rest and preparation for the Stok Kangri trek
  • Trek briefing & gear check with your mountain guide for the upcoming summit attempt
Overnight stay in Leh (Hotel).
Magnetic Hill Ladakh
DAY 6

Leh to Stok Kangri Base Camp Trek

The real adventure begins! After breakfast, drive to Stok Village and begin your trek to the Stok Kangri Base Camp (4,900m). This is where the high-altitude Himalayan expedition truly starts.

  • Drive from Leh to Stok Village (3,600m) — the starting point of the trek
  • Trek through the Stok Nala gorge — a beautiful river valley with towering cliffs
  • Pass through Mankorma (4,400m) — a scenic campsite with hot springs nearby
  • Arrive at Stok Kangri Base Camp (4,900m) — set up camp with stunning views of the peak
  • Evening acclimatisation walk and hot dinner under the stars
Overnight stay at Base Camp (Alpine Tent).
Stok Kangri Base Camp
DAY 7

Stok Kangri Summit Day (6,153m)

The moment you've been waiting for! Begin your summit push at midnight under a canopy of stars. Reach the top of Stok Kangri (6,153m) at sunrise for 360° panoramic views of the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Himalayan ranges.

  • Midnight start (12:00 AM) — headlamp trek through snow and scree
  • Cross the Stok Glacier — crampons and ice axes provided
  • Summit Stok Kangri (6,153m) at sunrise — 360° views of K2, Karakoram Range, Zanskar Range & the Indus Valley
  • Celebrate your achievement at the summit with prayer flags & photographs
  • Descend to Base Camp, pack up, and trek back to Stok Village
  • Drive back to Leh — celebration dinner with the team
Overnight stay in Leh (Hotel).
Zanskar River Ladakh
DAY 8

Departure from Leh

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may have free time for last-minute shopping at Leh Main Bazaar for Ladakhi souvenirs, pashmina shawls, and Buddhist artefacts.

  • Optional visit to Stok Palace Museum — the royal residence of the Ladakhi kings
  • Last-minute shopping at Leh Main Bazaar for pashmina, turquoise jewellery & Ladakhi handicrafts
  • Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your onward journey
  • Expedition ends with incredible memories of the Himalayan adventure!
Tour ends. We hope you had an extraordinary expedition!
Nubra Valley Camels

Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

12 Items
  • 7 Nights accommodation — Hotels in Leh + Camps at Nubra, Pangong & Base Camp
  • All meals during the expedition (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All transfers by private 4x4 vehicle (Toyota Innova / Mahindra Scorpio)
  • Certified high-altitude mountain guide & support staff
  • All Inner Line Permits (ILP) & Protected Area Permits (PAP)
  • Camping equipment — alpine tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
  • Trekking equipment — crampons, ice axes, ropes (for summit day)
  • Bactrian camel ride in Nubra Valley
  • First aid kit & oxygen cylinder for emergencies
  • All applicable taxes (GST)
  • 24/7 on-trip support & satellite phone for emergencies
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Leh

What's Not Included

8 Items
  • Airfare to and from Leh (flights from Delhi recommended)
  • Personal trekking gear — boots, clothing, backpack, sunglasses
  • Travel & medical insurance (mandatory — must cover high altitude)
  • Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, tips, souvenirs
  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Porter / mule charges for personal luggage beyond 10 kg
  • Emergency evacuation / helicopter rescue costs
  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusion list
GUEST REVIEWS

What Our Adventurers Say

"The Ladakh Trek was the most incredible experience of my life! Standing on top of Stok Kangri at sunrise, watching the Karakoram Range glow golden — it was absolutely surreal. Our guide Tenzin was exceptional, ensuring our safety at every step while sharing fascinating stories about Ladakhi culture."
J

James Mitchell

United Kingdom
"Pangong Lake left us speechless — the colours are even more stunning in person than in photographs. The Bactrian camel ride in Nubra Valley was a unique experience. The entire expedition was perfectly organised, from permits to camping gear. Highly recommend for adventure lovers!"
A

Anna & Peter Schmidt

Germany
"As an experienced trekker, I've done many high-altitude treks, but the Stok Kangri summit was something special. The acclimatisation plan was excellent, the food at base camp was surprisingly good, and the views from the summit were beyond words. The stargazing at Pangong Lake was magical!"
R

Rachel O'Brien

Australia
FREQUENTLY ASKED

FAQ — Ladakh Trek Expedition

What is the best time for the Ladakh Trek?
The best time for the Ladakh Trek and Stok Kangri summit is from June to September. July and August offer the most stable weather conditions for the summit attempt. The Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar highways are also open during this period. Avoid visiting during winter (November–March) unless you're attempting the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River.
How fit do I need to be for this expedition?
A good level of physical fitness is essential. You should be able to walk 8-10 hours a day with a daypack at altitude. We recommend starting a fitness regime at least 3 months before the trek — including cardio (running, cycling, swimming), strength training, and ideally some hill walking. Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,000m is recommended but not mandatory.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real concern at these altitudes. Our itinerary includes proper acclimatisation days in Leh before the trek. Our guides are trained in AMS recognition and carry oxygen cylinders and first aid kits. We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip and carrying Diamox (acetazolamide) as a precaution. Staying hydrated and ascending slowly are key.
What permits are required for Ladakh?
Foreign nationals and Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and other restricted areas. Indian citizens can obtain this online or in Leh. Foreign nationals need to apply through a registered travel agent (which we handle for you). All permits are included in our package — you don't need to worry about the paperwork.
What should I pack for the Ladakh Trek?
Essential items include: sturdy trekking boots (broken in), layered clothing (thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell), warm down jacket, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, headlamp, trekking poles, a 40-60L backpack, water bottles, and personal medications. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely! We specialise in customised expeditions. You can extend the trip to include the Markha Valley Trek, Chadar Trek (winter), or add extra days at Pangong Lake. You can also opt for a non-summit version focusing only on sightseeing and cultural experiences. Just fill out the enquiry form with your preferences.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, travel and medical insurance is mandatory for this expedition. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation. We recommend policies from World Nomads, BMC (British Mountaineering Council), or similar providers that specifically cover high-altitude mountaineering activities.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer flexible cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 45+ days before departure. 50% refund if cancelled 30-44 days before. 25% refund if cancelled 15-29 days before. No refund for cancellations within 14 days of departure. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for added protection.

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