With so many soaring roads situated in Ladakh, it would not be wrong to call it the land of high passes. On this trip, experience drives through Khardung La and Chang La, arguably two of the highest motor-able roads in the world. Journeying on these is an experience that you cannot explain in words. Various motoring events organised on these passes testify to their popularity. While on this trip, you also travel through Tanglang La, yet another high pass in the region.

The excursion is not only a tour through these landforms, but it also takes you to some of the most famous attractions of Ladakh. Visit Leh Palace, the architectural icon of the region, on the very first day of the venture and follow it with a visit to Shanti Stupa, a monument built by Ladakhi and Japanese monks to promote world peace.

Also, explore sacred monasteries like those of Alchi and Likir. Thiksey gompa, with an over 10-metre tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, is another popular attraction that you visit on this excursion. Learn about the traditions and cultures of the local people during your stay in Korzok village. Visits to other exceptional attractions like the Hall of Fame museum, Pangong Tso, Tso Kar and Gurdwara Pathar Sahib are also part of the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh | Local Sightseeing
After you arrive at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel for a relaxing time. Check-in and acclimatise at the hotel, and then prepare for the evening excursion. It will take you to the amazing Leh Palace. After serving as the residence of the royal family of Ladakh, the building was abandoned in mid 19th century when the Dogra forces took control of the region. The monument, sitting majestically atop Namgyal Hill, overlooks most areas of the city of Leh.

Giving scenic views of snow-capped mountains, the marvellous Shanti Stupa is your next stop. A flight of stairs will lead you to the first level of the establishment, where an image of Dharmachakra with a deer on each side captures your attention. The second level features images, depicting the birth and death of Lord Buddha. After this, visit the local market for some souvenir shopping. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Leh to Sham Region | Sham Region to Leh
Post breakfast, leave for a well-inclusive sightseeing tour of the Sham region. Drive towards Alchi monastery, and visit Likir gompa en route. Established in the 11th century by Lama Duwang Chosje, and reformed in the 15th century by Lama Lha-dbang-chos-rje, Likir Monastery is set atop a hill overlooking the Indus River. On reaching Alchi Monastery, appreciate marvellous wall paintings that depict the spiritual details of Buddhism, and Hindu kings. These are some of the oldest paintings said to have survived in Ladakh.

Later, learn the amazing history of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, which is your next stop. It is dedicated to Nanak Dev, the first of the 10 Sikh gurus. After that, drive to the Hall of Fame, a museum built to honour the martyrs of the Indo-Pak wars. The 2-storey establishment houses a souvenir shop on its first floor, and artefacts of various wars including weapons and some documents on the other. Also, witness the mesmerising view of the confluence of rivers Zanskar and Indus at the site known as Sangam, on the tour. When done with sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Leh Pangong Tso Leh
After an early breakfast leave for the enchanting Pangong Tso. Get adrenaline rush passing through Chang La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Also, enjoy the breathtaking views of surrounding snow-capped mountains while driving through the pass.

Pangong Tso, one of the largest brackish water lakes in Asia, is not an unfamiliar sight as you may have seen it in movies like 3 Idiots and Heroes. The turquoise water of the lake and the surrounding reddish-brown mountains make one of the most incredible sceneries you would have ever seen. Later, drive back through the same route, and transfer to the hotel in Leh for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Leh Khardung La Leh
Post breakfast, a trip to Khardung La is on the schedule. It is not only one of the highest motorable roads on earth, but it also gives mesmerising views of the snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar Range over the Indus River. The pass is situated at an altitude of over 5000 metres, and organisation of events including marathons and cycling championships testify to its popularity. Later, return to the hotel in Leh for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Leh to Tso Moriri
After breakfast, drive to Tso Moriri, passing through the Changthang Plateau en route. On the way, you might witness the nomads of the area, occupied with their daily chores. It makes for a great opportunity for you to learn about their lives and struggles.

Post getting spellbound by the beauty and the tranquillity of the lake, travel to Korzok village, located at a walking distance from here. On reaching the village, transfer to your lodging for an overnight stay.

Day 06: Tso Moriri to Tso Kar | Tso Moriri to Leh via Tanglang La
On this leg of the venture, visit Tso Kar, yet another enchanting lake. It supports colonies of numerous species of fauna including grebes, rust geese and brown-headed gulls. Tibetan grouse and black-necked crane are also common in the vicinity of the water body.

After passing through Puga, a sulphur mine; Tanglang La, another high mountain pass; and finally Khardung La, reach Leh and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Departure from Leh
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight.