Northern Ladakh done properly: two days in and around Leh first, then Nubra and Turtuk, Pangong by the Shayok route, and a closing Sham Valley day for Likir and Alchi. No night above 4,250 m.
If you have eight days and want to see northern Ladakh without rushing, this is the route we recommend most often. It includes Turtuk, which the shorter itineraries drop, and closes with the Sham Valley heritage day rather than a wasted afternoon.
You cross Khardung La at 5,602 m and Chang La at 5,360 m, but you sleep no higher than Pangong at 4,250 m, and only for one night. Combined with two opening days in Leh, that makes this one of the gentler ways to see the region.
Acclimatisation, Leh Market walk, Thiksey, Shey Palace, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo
Khardung La at 5,602 m, Diskit Monastery, the 32 m Maitreya and Hunder Sand Dunes
The last village of India on the northern border — Balti culture, apricot orchards, the Shyok
The Shayok valley drive and the lake at 4,250 m
The 5,360 m pass and Ladakh's largest monastery with its 8 m Padmasambhava
Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Likir's 22 m Maitreya and the 11th-century murals of Alchi
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 back to Leh crossing Chang La Pass.
En route, visit Hemis Monastery — Ladakh's largest, famous for the 8-metre statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
Explore the Indus–Zanskar confluence and Magnetic Hill.
Likir Monastery with its 22 m Maitreya Buddha, and the ancient 11th-century murals of Alchi Monastery.
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 – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh – Sham Valley
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