Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar
Board the flight to Srinagar, arrive at Srinagar airport in the noon. Pick-up from Srinagar airport from where youll be transferred to houseboat in private vehicle. Check-in at the houseboat and have some rest. In evening, you can go for Shikara ride at Nageen Lake. There is also a floating market in the Lake which is perfect to soak in the natural aura, perfectly merged with the happy chatter and hustle bustle of local life while you are gently swayed by the colorful Shikaras. Return to houseboat for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil. (245 KM / 8 9 Hrs drive)
In early morning, after breakfast and checking out the house boat, drive to Wakha via Kargil. Enroute stops include Sonamarg and Baltal hamlet, famous for rugged snow peaked meadows. Past Baltal crossover Zoji-La Pass (11,500 ft). We are in Drass valley with strikingly different landscape dotted with remote mud huts giving an impression that you really have traveled back in time. Lunch will be at midway (on own). After a passport check we continue on to Kargil . Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru (6-7 hrs. Journey)
Wake up lazy morning. Check-out after breakfast and well continue our journey towards Leh. Enroute you can visit Mulbekh Monastery - it consists of two gompas, one Drukpa and another Gelugpa Buddhist monastery. After crossing the Fotu La (pass), well reach Lamayuru - Ladakhs oldest monastery and is set in surreal surrounding also known as the Moonland, because of its topography. Now continue our journey towards Leh. The drive further is one of the most spectacular journeys you will have. From the mountains formed by amalgamation of various types and textures of rocks to the dazzling Zanskar Valley, accompanying you all along the journey the white snow clad peaks, this route gives you an absolute picturesque landscape. Enroute visit the famous Pathar Sahab Gurudwara, Magnetic Hill, and Confluence point (Sangam). Reach Leh in the evening, check in the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Day Trip to Stok Village
Post breakfast, well head to Stok village where well visit the well maintained Stok Heritage Museum (almost 200 years old) run by the royal family itself. The Stok Palace was opened to the public in 1980 with blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This place holds great architectural significance and if youre the kind of person who is interested in culture, history and heritage, this place would be heaven for you. You can sit and relax at the cafe right at the entrance with a panoramic view of the village and the valley of Singey Sangpo which is popularly known as the Indus River. *Optional - Trek to Stok Base camp. If youre an adventure lover and wants to test your endurance, you’ve come to the right place. Here youll see a lot of trekkers going for Stok Kangri Trek. Meet with the travelers, hear their stories, and follow the trekkers towards Stok base camp with a steep ascent. Return to Leh in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Leh Enroute Khardungla Nubra Valley (5-6 hrs. Journey)
Brace yourself for the splendid drive over the mighty Khardung La the 2nd highest motor able pass in the world at a height of 5602 M/ 18,380 ft. Over the route, the road dramatically plunges, and Shyok and Nubra Rivers unfold magically. You move on via Diskit to reach the white sands of Hunder. Reach Nubra by late afternoon.
Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok / Warila (5-6 hrs. Journey)
Post breakfast, well continue our journey towards Pangong Tso via Warila / Shyok village. Enroute explore the mound of earthen monastic dwellings, crowned by the Gompa. The valley is blessed with a beautiful stream flowing through it, originating from the lake, giving a greenish tincture to the otherwise dry landscape around. Apart from flora this area is rich in fauna too. You can see a lot of Himalayan Marmots around the area. However, the main attraction of this circuit is the grand Pangong Tso, which you would reach by early evening. The mesmerizing beauty and the fantastic view of Tso places it a league above anything you have seen so far. Dinner and overnight stay near Pangong.
Day 7: Pangong Tso to Leh (Visit Shanti Stupa)
After breakfast and some leisure, drive your way back to Leh. Enroute well visit the Sindhu Ghat and Thiksey monastery followed by Shey Palace and Druk White Lotus Rancho School. Reach Leh in the evening from where we'll head to Shanti Stupa - bask in the peace amidst this hilltop Stupa and revel in the panoramic view of the city. The sunset is the perfect backdrop you wished for. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Day 8: Back To Home
After a scrumptious breakfast, complete all the signing out formalities and cab will drop you at the airport. Board the flight and get back to home. End of trip.