Most first trips to Ladakh follow one loop from Leh: over Khardung La to the Nubra Valley, across to Pangong Lake and back over Chang La, with Lamayuru to the west. These are the places our Ladakh trips visit, with their height, the best time to go and which trips include them.
Ladakh places at a glance
Heights are approximate. Our Ladakh trips run from April to October.
| Place | Height | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Leh | about 3,500 m (11,480 ft) | April – October |
| Khardung La | 5,359 m (17,582 ft) | May – October |
| Nubra Valley | about 3,000 m (9,840 ft) | May – September |
| Pangong Lake | about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) | May – September |
| Lamayuru | about 3,500 m (11,480 ft) | May – September |
Leh
The base for every Ladakh route, and the place to rest first. Leh is in Leh district of Ladakh, a union territory of India, on the Indus River, at about 3,500 m (11,480 ft). Best time: April – October.
On our trips: Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition, Ladakh Moon Land Tour.
- Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace
- Magnetic Hill
- Sangam, the Indus–Zanskar confluence
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Magnetic Hill and the Sangam
Two stops west of Leh on the local sightseeing day: Magnetic Hill, where the road appears to pull vehicles uphill, and the Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Spituk Monastery are on the same road.
Khardung La
One of the highest motorable roads in the world. Khardung La is in Leh district of Ladakh, on the road from Leh to the Nubra Valley, at 5,359 m (17,582 ft). Best time: May – October.
On our trips: Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition, Ladakh Moon Land Tour.
- The summit milestone
- Views over the Karakoram
- Descent into Nubra
Nubra Valley
Sand dunes, double-hump camels and the Shyok river, beyond Khardung La. Nubra Valley is in Leh district of Ladakh, north of Leh across Khardung La, at about 3,000 m (9,840 ft). Best time: May – September.
On our trips: Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition, Ladakh Moon Land Tour.
- Hunder sand dunes
- Double-hump Bactrian camel ride
- Diskit Monastery
- Shyok river viewpoints
Pangong Lake
A long blue lake that changes colour through the day. Pangong Lake is in Leh district of Ladakh, a union territory of India, east of Leh; the lake stretches across the border into Tibet, at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft). Best time: May – September.
On our trips: Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition, Ladakh Moon Land Tour.
- Sunset and sunrise at the lake
- Lakeside camp stay
- Chang La pass on the return
- Merak and Spangmik villages
Chang La
The high pass on the road between Pangong Lake and Leh. Our trips cross it on the way back from Pangong and stop at Thiksey Monastery before reaching Leh.
Thiksey, Shey and Hemis
Monasteries and palaces in the Indus valley south-east of Leh. Thiksey and Shey are on the return from Pangong on our bike trip, and the Moon Land tour adds Hemis Monastery and the Druk White Lotus School, known from the film 3 Idiots.
Lamayuru
A lunar landscape under an 11th-century monastery. Lamayuru is in Leh district of Ladakh, on the Leh–Srinagar highway, about 120 km west of Leh, at about 3,500 m (11,480 ft). Best time: May – September.
On our trips: Ladakh Moon Land Tour.
- Lamayuru Monastery
- The Moon Land formations
- High-desert drive from Leh
How many days do you need for Leh Ladakh?
Plan at least 6 to 7 days from Leh, with the first day kept for rest at about 3,500 m. Our Leh Ladakh motorcycle expedition is 5 nights and 6 days, and the Ladakh Moon Land tour is 6 nights and 7 days with Lamayuru added.
Questions
What are the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh?
Leh, Khardung La, the Nubra Valley with the Hunder dunes, Pangong Lake, Chang La, Thiksey Monastery and Lamayuru.
How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?
At least 6 to 7 days from Leh, starting with a rest day for the altitude. Our Ladakh trips are 6 and 7 days.
Which is the highest place on a Leh Ladakh trip?
Khardung La, at about 5,359 m (17,582 ft), on the road from Leh to the Nubra Valley.
Can you visit Nubra and Pangong in one trip?
Yes. Our trips go from Leh to Nubra over Khardung La, from Nubra to Pangong by the Shyok route or over Wari La, and back to Leh over Chang La.
Where is the 3 Idiots school in Ladakh?
The Druk White Lotus School is near Shey, south-east of Leh. Our Moon Land tour visits it on the way back from Pangong.
