This is India at its most epic — 15 days of winding roads, wild landscapes, and culture that runs deep. Float on Dal Lake aboard a traditional houseboat, wander Mughal gardens, and trek through Pahalgam’s green valleys before climbing higher into Ladakh. Cross mountain passes where prayer flags flutter in the wind, explore monasteries that feel frozen in time, and sleep under skies bursting with stars. It’s the kind of overland journey where the road itself is half the adventure.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery, Lāmayūrū
Your Local Living Moment: Kyagar House Experience, Nubra Valley. Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill. Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi). Houseboat stay & shikara ride on Dal Lake. Guided Lidder Valley trek. Short guided hike in Sonmarg + Jeep ride to Zero Point. Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil. Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa. Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes. Leh Old City guided walk and Central Asian Museum visit. Sunset visit to Shanti Stupa. Morning prayer experience at Samstanling Monastery. Crossing Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Visit Diskit Monastery and explore the Nubra Valley. Immersive cultural storytelling at Kyagar House and Pangong Lake homestays. Early morning yoga by Pangong Lake. Visit Rezang La Memorial and meet Pashmina herders. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Drift on Dal Lake in a traditional houseboat and stroll through Srinagar’s Mughal gardens, Cross the mighty Zozila Pass and take in the surreal Moonland landscapes of Lamayuru, Explore ancient monasteries like Lamayuru and Diskit and connect with monks who call them home, Spend nights in Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake with unforgettable stargazing"
How large will the group be?
Max 18
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, Boat, Jeep, Walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotel (twin-share): 10 nights, Homestay: 3 nights, House boat: 1 night
Itinerary
Srinagar
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.
Srinagar
Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent.
Srinagar
Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.
Srinagar/Pahalgām
Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area.
Pahalgām/Sonāmarg
We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar.
Sonāmarg/Lāmayūrū
Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks.
Lāmayūrū/Leh
Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market.
Leh
Spend today exploring Leh on your terms. As Ladakh's biggest city, there is much to do and see.
Leh
Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh.
Leh/Nubra Valley
Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House.
Nubra Valley
Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum.
Nubra Valley/Pangong Tso
Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village.
Pangong Tso/Leh
Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time.
Leh
Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours.
Leh
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
