Day 1: Arrive in Leh

Travel Mode: Arrival by flight
Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Drive Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 15–20 minutes

Arrive at Leh airport and transfer to your hotel. The first day is reserved for complete rest to allow your body to adapt to the high altitude. Take short walks if you feel comfortable, sip plenty of water, and enjoy views of the Indus Valley and surrounding snow peaks.

Day 2: Acclimatization Tour Around Leh

Drive Distance: ~80 km round trip
Altitude: Shey – 3,500 m | Thiksey – 3,600 m | Hemis – 3,650 m
Time Taken: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, head out for a gentle sightseeing drive. Visit Shey Palace, the former royal residence with a giant copper Buddha statue. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, often compared to the Potala Palace of Lhasa for its tiered structure. End at Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, famous for its annual festival. Return to Leh by afternoon and rest.

Day 3: Explore Leh & Indus Valley Highlights

Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m
Time Taken: Full-day sightseeing (5–6 hours)

Today you’ll explore both Leh town and the Indus Valley nearby:

Spituk Monastery – an ancient gompa overlooking the Indus, known for its fine collection of Buddhist art.
Magnetic Hill – experience the famous optical illusion where vehicles seem to roll uphill.
Sangam (Confluence) – see the spectacular meeting point of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.
Return to Leh in the afternoon and visit Shanti Stupa for sunset views over Leh town, and Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal residence.

The day offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, while still being light enough to aid acclimatization.

Day 4: Drive Leh to Korzok (Tso Moriri Lake)

Drive Distance: ~220 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hours
Altitude: Korzok – 4,522 m

A full-day drive takes you from Leh through the Indus Valley, past Chumathang hot springs and Mahe Bridge, before entering the Changthang plateau. By late afternoon, arrive at Korzok village on the banks of the stunning Tso Moriri Lake, shimmering turquoise amidst high mountains. Overnight in camp/guesthouse by the lake.

Day 5: Korzok to Kiangdom

Trek Distance: ~16 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Camping Altitude: Kiangdom – 4,600 m

Begin trekking along the southern shores of Tso Moriri. The trail is mostly flat, with occasional sandy stretches. Spot migratory birds like bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes, and herds of kiang (wild Tibetan asses). Camp at Kiangdom, a breathtaking campsite at the far end of the lake, where snow peaks reflect on the water at sunset.

Day 6: Kiangdom to Nurboo Sumdo

Trek Distance: ~18 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Camping Altitude: Nurboo Sumdo – 4,650 m

Leave the lakeshore and head deeper into the Changthang wilderness. Cross streams flowing into Tso Moriri and follow a broad valley. The landscape alternates between grassy pastures and rocky riverbeds. By late afternoon, arrive at Nurboo Sumdo, where three valleys meet. This natural junction is a traditional campsite used by nomads.

Day 7: Nurboo Sumdo to Parang La Base

Trek Distance: ~14 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Camping Altitude: Parang La Base – 5,000 m

Gradually climb through barren yet majestic terrain towards the base of Parang La. The air is thinner here, so maintain a steady pace. The campsite at Parang La Base offers dramatic views of snow-covered ridges, preparing you for the high pass crossing the next day.

Day 8: Parang La Base to Kharsa Gong via Parang La (5,600 m)

Trek Distance: ~16 km
Time Taken: 7–8 hours
Altitude: Parang La – 5,600 m | Kharsa Gong – 4,950 m

An early start is essential. The climb to Parang La is steep and strenuous, but the reward at the top is immense — sweeping views of the Ladakh and Spiti ranges, glaciers, and endless valleys. After enjoying the views, descend carefully into the Spiti side. Camp at Kharsa Gong, beside the Pare Chu river, surrounded by stark cliffs.

Day 9: Kharsa Gong to Dak Karzong

Trek Distance: ~15 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Camping Altitude: Dak Karzong – 4,700 m

Follow the Pare Chu river as it snakes through gorges and open valleys. The trail is relatively flat, with multiple river crossings adding to the adventure. Camp at Dak Karzong, a grassy meadow popular among grazing yaks and sheep.

Day 10: Dak Karzong to Thaltak

Trek Distance: ~14 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Camping Altitude: Thaltak – 4,800 m

The route continues along the river valley before ascending slightly towards Thaltak. This meadow campsite offers wide-open views of Spiti’s rugged landscapes and is a favorite for photographers at sunset.

Day 11: Thaltak to Kibber

Trek Distance: ~18 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Altitude: Kibber – 4,270 m

The final trekking day involves crossing a few ridges before descending into the Spiti Valley. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kibber village, one of the world’s highest inhabited villages with stone houses perched dramatically on the hillside. Overnight in a guesthouse/homestay with warm local hospitality.

Day 12: Sightseeing Around Kibber (Spiti Highlights)

Drive Distance: ~60–70 km round trip
Altitude: Kibber – 4,270 m | Key Monastery – 4,166 m | Chicham – 4,250 m
Time Taken: Full-day excursion

After breakfast, head out for a full-day cultural tour. Visit the iconic Key Monastery, a major center of learning and spirituality in Spiti. Continue to Chicham village, crossing Asia’s highest suspension bridge. Explore the tiny hamlets of Gete and Tashigang, known for dramatic clifftop views of Spiti’s landscapes. Return to Kibber by evening for rest and a traditional dinner.

Day 13: Drive Kibber to Manali

Drive Distance: ~200 km
Time Taken: 9–10 hours
Altitude: Manali – 2,050 m

Drive via Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass, leaving behind the barren Spiti landscapes and descending into the lush greenery of Kullu Valley. Arrive in Manali by evening. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 14: Drive Manali to Nalagarh

Drive Distance: ~250 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hours
Altitude: Nalagarh – 370 m

Continue the descent into Himachal Pradesh’s foothills. Arrive at Nalagarh, known for its historic fort and views of the Shivalik hills. Overnight in a heritage hotel.

Day 15: Drive Nalagarh to Delhi – Departure

Drive Distance: ~300 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours

Drive to Delhi for your onward flight or hotel drop. End of the journey with memories of remote highlands, turquoise lakes, and the dramatic Spiti valley.