The complete overland journey from the Kashmir valley into Ladakh. You start among houseboats and Mughal gardens at 1,585 m, cross Zoji La to the Buddhist high desert, and finish at Pangong Lake — the altitude gain spread across the drive rather than an aeroplane.
This is the classic overland crossing: you begin in the Kashmir valley at 1,585 m and finish nine nights later on the shore of Pangong Lake at 4,250 m, having gained every metre of that by road.
Flying into Leh drops you at 3,500 m in an hour. Driving up through Sonamarg and over Zoji La spreads the same gain across three days, and gives you Kashmir — the gardens, the houseboats, Pahalgam — as part of the same trip rather than a separate holiday.
The Srinagar–Kargil road depends on Zoji La being open, which is reliable from roughly May to September. Day two and day three are both long driving days; the rest of the route is paced more gently.
Nishat Bagh and the Mughal Gardens, a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, houseboat stay
Valley of Shepherds, Betaab and Aru valleys, the Lidder river, saffron fields at Pampore
Sonamarg's Thajiwas Glacier, Zoji La Pass, the Drass War Memorial
Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru moon landscape, Magnetic Hill, Indus–Zanskar Sangam
Khardung La at 18,380 ft, Hunder dunes, double-humped camels, the Balti village of Turtuk
Sunset over the water, the Shyok river route in, Chang La and Hemis on the way out
Arrival at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your hotel or houseboat — 12 km, about 30 minutes. Rest and acclimatise.
In the afternoon, local sightseeing: Nishat Bagh and the Mughal Gardens, followed by a Shikara ride on Dal Lake as the light goes.
Drive to Pahalgam, stopping en route at the saffron fields of Pampore, the Awantipora Ruins, and the apple orchards along the Lidder river.
In Pahalgam: Betaab Valley and Aru Valley (both by optional local taxi), a walk along the Lidder and time in the market.
Return to Srinagar by evening.
Drive to Sonamarg, the Meadow of Gold, and visit the Thajiwas Glacier — a pony ride up to the ice is optional.
Cross Zoji La Pass, then stop at the Drass War Memorial before arriving in Kargil.
A full day of sightseeing on the drive east: the Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue, the moon landscape at Lamayuru and Lamayuru Monastery.
Continuing towards Leh — the Indus–Zanskar Sangam, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib — then arrival in Leh.
Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and the Hall of Fame Museum in the morning.
Then Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery, with an evening walk through Leh Market.
Cross Khardung La Pass at 18,380 ft, then descend into the Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery and its Maitreya Buddha, and the Hunder Sand Dunes — a double-humped camel ride is optional.
Excursion to Turtuk Village, close to the India–Pakistan border, to explore Balti culture and village life.
Apricot orchards in season, then return to Nubra.
Drive via the Shyok River route, with scenic landscapes and photography stops throughout.
Arrive at Pangong Lake in time for sunset.
Cross Chang La Pass on the drive back, visiting Hemis Monastery en route.
Evening free in Leh market.
Transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight.
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Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Leh
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