Overview & Highlights
Overview
Embark on the ultimate trans-Himalayan adventure with this 12-day Delhi to Srinagar road trip via Leh. From the buzzing streets of Delhi to the lush valleys of Manali, the rugged terrains of Ladakh, the surreal beauty of Pangong, Hanle & Umling La, and finally the serene charm of Kashmir, this journey is a dream for every road-trip enthusiast.
Get ready to conquer the world’s highest passes, explore vibrant monasteries, camp under star-studded skies, and soak in the unmatched culture of Ladakh and Kashmir. This is not just a road trip — it’s an expedition of a lifetime!
Highlights
- Start your journey from Delhi to Manali with scenic stops & local exploration
- Cross Atal Tunnel, Baralacha La, Tanglang La & Khardung La – some of the highest motorable passes
- Drive through the iconic Gata Loops & More Plains
- Explore Nubra Valley, enjoy camel safari & ATV rides at Hunder Sand Dunes
- Visit Pangong Tso Lake – famous for its magical color-changing waters
- Travel to Hanle – India’s Astronomy Hub with the best stargazing skies
- Conquer Umling La (19,024 ft) – the highest motorable pass in the world
- Visit Rezang La War Memorial, Thiksey Monastery & Shey Palace
- Pay homage at the Hall of Fame & Kargil War Memorial
- Scenic drive via Lamayuru Moonland, Zoji La & Sonamarg Valley
- End your trip with a stay in a Srinagar houseboat on Dal Lake
Itinerary
• Assemble at Kashmere Gate or Majnu Ka Tilla and meet your Trip Captain.
• Get acquainted with fellow travelers before boarding the AC vehicle around 6 PM.
• Dinner stop en route at a pre-decided roadside restaurant (as per Volvo vendor arrangements).
• Overnight journey to Manali.
• Arrive in Manali, check into the hotel, freshen up, and enjoy breakfast.
• Attend a short briefing session for the upcoming journey.
• Acclimatization day to adapt to altitude — avoid heavy physical activity.
• Visit Vashisht Temple, Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, and Jogini Waterfall.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
Note: Acclimatization is crucial before heading to higher altitudes
• Early breakfast, then start towards Sarchu via Atal Tunnel and Baralacha La (15,910 ft).
• Scenic stops at Sissu Valley, Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Deepak Tal, Zing Zing Bar, and Suraj Tal.
• Arrive in Sarchu, enjoy group activities, dinner, and overnight stay in Swiss camps.
• After breakfast, begin the journey to Leh.
• Cross Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends), Nakee La, Lachung La, and stop at Pang for lunch.
• Drive through More Plains and cross Tanglang La before reaching Leh.
• Evening at leisure, dinner, and overnight stay in Leh.
• Breakfast and check-out from Leh hotel.
• Drive via Khardung La (18,380 ft), one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
• Explore Nubra Valley and visit Sand Dunes for a Double-Humped Camel Safari & ATV rides (self-paid).
• Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra Valley Swiss camps.
• Breakfast, then visit Diskit Monastery with its 100-ft Buddha statue.
• Drive via Agham & Shyok villages to reach Pangong Tso, famous for its color-changing waters.
• Explore Bollywood shooting points from 3 Idiots & Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
• Dinner and overnight stay in lakeside cottages.
• Sunrise at Pangong Lake, followed by breakfast.
• Stop at Rezang La War Memorial en route.
• Continue to Hanle, home to India’s largest astronomical observatory.
• Stargazing experience under some of the clearest skies in the world.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Hanle
• Breakfast, then drive to Umling La (19,024 ft) — the highest motorable pass in the world.
• Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and click lifetime memories.
• Return to Hanle for another night of unforgettable stargazing.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Hanle.
• Breakfast, then begin return journey to Leh.
• Lunch stop in Upshi.
• If time allows, visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace.
• Evening free for market exploration and café hopping in Leh.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
• Breakfast and check-out from Leh.
• Visit Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Sangam Point.
• Cross Lamayuru, Fotu La, and Namika La passes.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Kargil.
• Early breakfast, then visit Kargil War Memorial in Drass.
• Drive through Zoji La Pass to reach Sonamarg.
• Continue to Srinagar, check-in to a traditional houseboat.
• Dinner and overnight stay on Dal Lake.
• Breakfast, check-out, and transfer to Srinagar Airport.
• End of tour with unforgettable Ladakh circuit memories.
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation in hotels / Swiss camps / cottages / houseboats on double/triple sharing basis
✔ Daily breakfast & dinner as per itinerary
✔ Comfortable private vehicle (Innova/Xylo/Tempo Traveller) for sightseeing & transfers
✔ Experienced driver well-versed in Himalayan terrain
✔ Inner line permits & environment fees
✔ Professional trip leader / tour captain assistance
✔ First aid assistance throughout the trip
Exclusions
✘ 5% GST
✘ Flights to Delhi & from Srinagar
✘ Lunch & snacks not mentioned in inclusions
✘ Adventure activities (camel ride, rafting, ATV, paragliding, etc.)
✘ Entry fees to monasteries, monuments, and attractions
✘ Oxygen cylinder, medical expenses & travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses like shopping, beverages, laundry, tips, etc.
Other Info
- Best Time to Visit: June to September (ideal weather & open passes)
- Altitude Advisory:
• Trip covers altitudes up to 19,024 ft (Umling La).
• First acclimatization in Manali & Leh is crucial.
• Avoid alcohol/smoking, stay hydrated & ascend gradually. - What to Carry:
• Thermal wear, jackets, gloves, mufflers, woolen socks, trekking shoes.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and reusable water bottles. - Network Connectivity: Only BSNL postpaid works at many remote locations (Hanle, Pangong, Nubra).
- Road Conditions: High-altitude passes may face temporary closures due to landslides/snowfall. Buffer days are recommended.
- Fitness Advisory: Travelers with heart/lung conditions or high BP should consult a doctor before booking.