The same Changthang circuit as our ten-day route, one night shorter — Leh, Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong, Hanle and Tso Moriri, without the closing Sham Valley day.
This is the Changthang circuit condensed into nine days. You still reach Hanle and Tso Moriri; what you give up compared with the ten-day version is the Sham Valley heritage day at the end.
Travellers who want the remote southern lakes and have already decided that Alchi and Likir can wait for another trip. The driving days on the plateau are long — day seven in particular runs 220–240 km across open country.
Acclimatisation, Leh Market walk, Thiksey, Shey Palace, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo
Khardung La at 5,602 m, Diskit's 32 m Maitreya, Hunder dunes, Balti culture and apricot orchards
The Shayok valley drive in, high-altitude landscape at 4,250 m
Remote Changthang, the observatory village and an exceptional night sky
India's largest high-altitude lake at 4,522 m, nomadic villages on the plateau
Ladakh's largest monastery and its 8-metre Padmasambhava statue
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Rest completely for acclimatisation.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk in the Leh Main Market.
Thiksey Monastery — resembles the Potala Palace of Tibet, with a 14 m Maitreya Buddha.
Shey Palace — the former royal summer palace.
Leh Palace — the 17th-century nine-storey palace above the old town.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa — panoramic views over Leh town.
Cross Khardung La and descend into the Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery and the 32 m Maitreya Buddha, then enjoy a camel ride at the Hunder Sand Dunes.
Drive to Turtuk, the last village of India on the northern border, known for its unique Balti culture, apricot farms and views over the Shyok River.
Explore the village, visit the museum and walk through the orchards.
Return to Nubra Valley for the night.
A scenic drive along the Shayok River leads you to the spectacular blue Pangong Lake.
Drive from Pangong to Hanle, crossing into the remote Changthang region.
Evening free for the night sky — Hanle is one of the darkest places in India.
Travel across the remote Changthang region to the stunning Tso Moriri, India's largest high-altitude lake.
Return to Leh via Mahe Bridge. On the way, visit Hemis Monastery — the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, known for its 8-metre Padmasambhava statue.
Transfer to Leh Airport for departure.
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Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh – Sham Valley
Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh – Sham Valley
Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Leh – Sham Valley
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