This 17-day expedition is the most comprehensive journey across the Himalayan frontiers — from Kashmir’s green valleys to Zanskar’s hidden monasteries, Ladakh’s high passes, and Himachal’s alpine landscapes. Begin in Srinagar, travel via Sonamarg, Drass & Kargil into the remote Zanskar Valley to explore Padum, Phuktal & Zangla. Continue via Lamayuru and Aryan Valley into Leh, then cross Khardung La into Nubra Valley, explore Turtuk & Siachen Base Camp, and marvel at the shimmering beauty of Pangong, Hanle & Umling La Pass. Conclude at the turquoise Tso Moriri Lake before taking the legendary Leh–Manali Highway via Jispa and the Atal Tunnel into the green Kullu Valley.
A once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan Grand Circuit blending culture, wilderness, high-altitude adventure, and unforgettable landscapes.
Day : 01
Route: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zojila – Drass – Kargil
Place Covered: Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Drass War Memorial, Kargil
Night Stay: Kargil, Hotel | Altitude: 8,780 ft (2,676 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 200 km (7–8 hrs approx)
Pickup from Srinagar and drive via the lush Sonamarg meadows, cross the mighty Zojila Pass (11,575 ft), and visit the Drass War Memorial dedicated to Kargil War heroes. Arrive Kargil by evening. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day : 02
Route: Kargil – Suru Valley – Rangdum – Padum
Place Covered: Suru Valley, Panikhar, Rangdum Monastery, Pensi La, Drang Drung Glacier, Padum
Night Stay: Padum, Hotel/Camp | Altitude: 12,037 ft (3,669 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 230 km (8–9 hrs approx)
Drive through the beautiful Suru Valley, with views of Nun–Kun peaks. Stop at Rangdum Monastery, then cross Pensi La Pass (14,435 ft) to see the stunning Drang Drung Glacier before descending into Zanskar’s capital Padum. Overnight stay in Padum.
Day : 03
Route: Padum – Purne – Trek to Phuktal – Padum
Place Covered: Purne, Phuktal Monastery
Night Stay: Padum, Hotel/Camp | Altitude: 12,037 ft (3,669 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 120 km drive + 6 km trek (full-day excursion)
Drive to Purne, then trek to Phuktal Monastery, built into a cliffside cave. After exploring this spiritual wonder, trek back and return to Padum. Overnight stay in Padum.
Day : 04
Route: Sightseeing in Padum
Place Covered: Karsha Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Palace/Fort, Sani Monastery
Night Stay: Padum, Hotel/Camp | Altitude: 12,037 ft (3,669 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 70–80 km round trip (5–6 hrs approx)
Sightseeing around Padum Valley: visit Karsha Monastery (largest in Zanskar), Stongdey Monastery, the historic Zangla Palace/Fort, and Sani Monastery associated with Guru Padmasambhava. Overnight stay in Padum.
Day : 05
Route: Padum – Lingshed – Lamayuru
Place Covered: Padum, Lingshed, Singge La Pass, Lamayuru Monastery
Night Stay: Lamayuru, Hotel | Altitude: 11,512 ft (3,500 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 250 km (9–10 hrs approx)
Drive from Padum via Lingshed village crossing Singge La (16,600 ft). Continue to Lamayuru Monastery, known as “Moonland of Ladakh”. Overnight stay in Lamayuru.
Day : 06
Route: Lamayuru – Chiktan – Aryan Valley
Place Covered: Lamayuru, Chiktan Fort, Aryan Valley (Dah & Hanu Villages)
Night Stay: Aryan Valley, Guesthouse | Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,050 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 160 km (6–7 hrs approx)
Drive via Chiktan to the unique Aryan Valley, home of the Brokpa people with distinct Aryan features and traditions. Explore Dah and Hanu villages. Overnight stay in Aryan Valley.
Day : 07
Route: Aryan Valley – Leh
Place Covered: Aryan Valley, Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame
Night Stay: Leh, Hotel | Altitude: 11,562 ft (3,524 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 180 km (6–7 hrs approx)
Drive back to Leh with sightseeing stops at Sangam (Indus–Zanskar confluence), Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, and the Hall of Fame Museum. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day : 08
Route: Leh Sightseeing
Place Covered: Sindhu Ghat, Shey Palace, Druk Padma Karpo (3 Idiots School), Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace
Night Stay: Leh, Hotel | Altitude: 11,562 ft (3,524 mts)
Full-day cultural sightseeing: visit Sindhu Ghat, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Druk Padma Karpo School (3 Idiots School), and in the evening, enjoy sunset from Shanti Stupa and explore Leh Palace.
Day : 09
Route: Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Place Covered: Khardung La Pass, Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes
Night Stay: Nubra Valley (Hunder), Camp/Hotel | Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,250 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 125 km (4–5 hrs approx)
Drive via Khardung La (18,380 ft) into Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery and enjoy the Hunder sand dunes with camel rides. Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
Day : 10
Route: Nubra – Turtuk – Nubra
Place Covered: Hunder, Turtuk village, return
Night Stay: Nubra Valley (Hunder), Camp/Hotel | Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,250 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 180 km round trip (7–8 hrs approx)
Excursion to Turtuk, a Balti village near the Indo–Pak border, famous for apricot orchards and unique culture. Return to Nubra for overnight stay.
Day : 11
Route: Nubra – Siachen Base Camp – Nubra
Place Covered: Panamik, Sasoma, Siachen Base Camp
Night Stay: Nubra Valley (Hunder), Camp/Hotel | Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,250 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 160 km round trip (7–8 hrs approx)
Day excursion to the legendary Siachen Base Camp, the highest battlefield in the world. Return to Nubra by evening.
Day : 12
Route: Nubra – Shyok – Pangong Tso
Place Covered: Diskit, Shyok, Tangtse, Pangong Lake
Night Stay: Pangong, Camp/Hotel | Altitude: 14,270 ft (4,350 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 150 km (5–6 hrs approx)
Drive via the scenic Shyok route to Pangong Lake, Ladakh’s most iconic high-altitude lake. Overnight stay at Pangong.
Day : 13
Route: Pangong – Chushul – Tsaga – Loma – Hanle
Place Covered: Pangong, Chushul War Memorial, Tsaga La, Loma, Hanle
Night Stay: Hanle, Guesthouse/Camp | Altitude: 14,764 ft (4,500 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 180 km (7–8 hrs approx)
Drive along the Pangong banks via Maan & Merak, cross Chushul, visit Rezang La War Memorial, and continue through the Changthang plateau to Hanle. Overnight stay in Hanle.
Day : 14
Route: Hanle – Umling La – Demchok – Hanle
Place Covered: Umling La Pass (19,024 ft), Demchok
Night Stay: Hanle, Guesthouse/Camp | Altitude: 14,764 ft (4,500 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 150 km round trip (7–8 hrs approx)
Day excursion to Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road at 19,024 ft, and Demchok, a remote border village. Return to Hanle by evening.
Day : 15
Route: Hanle – Nyoma – Mahe – Tso Moriri (Korzok)
Place Covered: Nyoma, Mahe Bridge, Korzok Monastery, Tso Moriri Lake
Night Stay: Tso Moriri, Camp/Hotel | Altitude: 14,836 ft (4,522 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 150 km (6–7 hrs approx)
Drive to Tso Moriri Lake, the largest high-altitude lake entirely within India. Explore Korzok Monastery and enjoy the serene setting. Overnight at Tso Moriri.
Day : 16
Route: Tso Moriri – Puga – Tsokar – Tanglang La – Sarchu – Jispa
Place Covered: Puga Valley, Tsokar Lake, Tanglang La, Moore Plains, Sarchu, Jispa
Night Stay: Jispa, Hotel/Camp | Altitude: 10,500 ft (3,200 mts)
Distance / Time Taken: 330 km (9–10 hrs approx)
Drive via Puga Valley (geothermal hot springs), Tsokar Lake, cross Tanglang La (17,582 ft) and the Moore Plains, descend through Sarchu to reach Jispa in Himachal Pradesh. Overnight stay in Jispa.
Day : 17
Route: Jispa – Atal Tunnel – Manali (Departure)
Place Covered: Keylong, Sissu, Atal Tunnel, Manali Drop
Distance / Time Taken: 95 km (3–4 hrs approx)
Drive through Keylong and the scenic Sissu Valley, then cross the Atal Tunnel (9 km, world’s longest high-altitude tunnel) to reach Manali. Drop at Manali by afternoon/evening. Tour concludes.
