Day 1
Arrival in Leh – Sham Valley
Arrive at Leh airport and drive to Sham Valley (about 70 km, 1.5 hours). Check in and rest for the day to acclimatise. Overnight in Sham Valley.
Standard Package
Highland Ladakh: Hanle, Umling La & Pangong
An 8-night high-altitude journey: Sham Valley, Leh, Nubra and Turtuk, Pangong Lake, two nights in Hanle under some of India's darkest skies, and the…
⌖ Leh Ladakh, India ✦ Family & senior friendly planning
Package snapshot
DestinationLeh Ladakh
Travel styleStandard Package
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Share your dates and travellers. This enquiry is free. Small changes to a standard itinerary—such as a date change or an extra day—can be discussed with our team.
Your holiday
A thoughtfully planned holiday experience.
This is our Ladakh tour with Hanle and Umling La, for travellers who want to go beyond the classic circuit to the remote Changthang plateau in eastern Ladakh. It combines the highlights of Nubra, Turtuk and Pangong with Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and a dark-sky reserve, and Umling La, the road that climbs to about 5,800 metres (19,024 feet).
The trip starts gently in Sham Valley and Leh, with Alchi, the Sangam, Magnetic Hill and a Ladakhi polo match where scheduled. You then spend two nights in Nubra Valley, with a day trip to Turtuk and Thang, and a night at Pangong Lake. From Pangong a remote road over Kaksang La brings you to Hanle for two nights.
From Hanle you make a full-day loop to Umling La and the frontier village of Demchok, before returning to Leh past the Chumathang hot springs. Breakfast and dinner, a private vehicle, permits and oxygen support are included. This is a demanding trip for fit, healthy travellers who are comfortable with long drives and simple stays.
Route
Sham 1N – Leh 1N – Nubra 2N – Pangong 1N – Hanle 2N – Leh 1N
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Good to know
Package typeStandard Package
Planning supportSmall changes by enquiry
Best forFamilies, couples & seniors
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Trip highlights
✦ Arrival in Leh – Sham Valley
✦ Sham Valley – Alchi – Leh
✦ Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
✦ Nubra – Turtuk – Thang – Nubra
✦ Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake
✦ Pangong Lake – Kaksang La – Hanle
Day-wise plan
Your itinerary, day by day.
Day 2
Sham Valley – Alchi – Leh
Visit Alchi Monastery and drive to Leh via the Sangam, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the Hall of Fame. Continue to Thiksey for a traditional Ladakhi lunch and, where scheduled, a polo match and cultural show at Chuchot. In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Leh Market. Overnight in Leh.
Day 3
Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Drive over Khardung La to Nubra Valley (about 125 km, 4 to 5 hours). In the afternoon, walk by the Shyok river or ride a double-humped camel at the Hunder dunes (at extra cost). Overnight in Nubra Valley.
Day 4
Nubra – Turtuk – Thang – Nubra
Follow the Shyok river to the Balti village of Turtuk and on to Tyakshi and Thang, India's last village before the Line of Control. Return to Nubra in the evening (about 190 km round trip). Overnight in Nubra Valley.
Day 5
Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake
Drive to Pangong Lake along the Shyok river road (about 150 km, 6 to 7 hours) and spend the evening by the lake. Overnight at Pangong Lake.
Day 6
Pangong Lake – Kaksang La – Hanle
Leave early for a remote high-altitude drive to Hanle (about 200 km, 6 to 7 hours) via Chushul, Tahto La, the small lake of Mirpal Tso and Kaksang La, then through Nyoma and Loma. Arrive in Hanle by evening. On a clear night, step outside to see the stars. Overnight in Hanle.
Day 7
Hanle – Umling La – Demchok – Hanle
After an early breakfast, set off on a full-day loop (about 260 to 280 km, 10 to 12 hours) over Nurbu La to Umling La at about 5,800 metres, with views over the Changthang plateau, and on to the frontier village of Demchok. Return to Hanle via Phuti La by late evening. Access depends on permission on the day. Overnight in Hanle.
Day 8
Hanle – Chumathang – Leh
After breakfast, visit the Hanle monastery and drive back to Leh along the Indus (about 250 km, 8 to 9 hours), stopping at the Chumathang hot springs. Overnight in Leh.
Day 9
Departure from Leh
Early in the morning, transfer to Leh airport for your flight home.
Hotel confirmation
Hotel names will be provided after booking, subject to availability and confirmation. We do not hold hotel confirmations before booking.
Inclusions
8 nights accommodation (Sham Valley 1, Leh 2, Nubra Valley 2, Pangong Lake 1, Hanle 2) on twin sharing; Hanle in basic hotels or homestays in all categories
Breakfast and dinner daily (MAP), starting with dinner on arrival
Arrival and departure transfers at Leh airport
All sightseeing and transfers by private vehicle as per the itinerary (point to point): Toyota Innova Crysta, Innova or Ertiga by hotel category; Tempo Traveller for groups of 6 or more
Day trip to Turtuk and Thang
Full-day Hanle – Demchok – Umling La loop
Traditional Ladakhi lunch on day 2, with a polo match and cultural show where scheduled
Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle for the Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle and Umling La days
Inner Line Permit / protected-area permit, environment fee, wildlife fee and Red Cross fee
Daily refill of boiled or filtered drinking water
All toll, parking, fuel and driver charges
Exclusions
Airfare or train fare to and from Leh (we can quote flights separately)
Monument, monastery and museum entrance fees unless specifically mentioned
Camel ride, river rafting, adventure activities and optional tours
Services of a local guide
Lunches and meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and room service
Alcoholic, mineral and aerated drinks
Travel insurance
Air conditioning in the vehicle (non-AC vehicles are standard in Ladakh)
GST as applicable
Any cost arising from flight cancellations, bad weather, roadblocks, landslides, ill health or other reasons beyond our control
Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Important Terms
Package cost depends on travel dates, hotel category, number of travellers sharing the vehicle and availability; prices are confirmed at the time of booking.
Leh is at about 3,500 metres. Rest fully on the day of arrival; altitude sickness can affect anyone, and guests with medical conditions should consult a doctor before travel.
Sightseeing is on a point-to-point basis in locally registered vehicles as per Ladakh taxi union rules; the vehicle is not at disposal.
Stays at Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri and Hanle are in camps, cottages, guest houses or small hotels with basic facilities and limited electricity; alternate properties of a similar standard may be used.
Itineraries may change because of weather, roadblocks, landslides, flight delays, permit restrictions or local conditions; any extra cost arising from such changes is payable directly.
Carry original government photo ID for permits and checkpoints. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit arranged through us.
Child policy, hotel check-in and check-out times and meal plans are as per the selected hotels.
Cancellation charges depend on hotel, camp, transport and permit supplier rules at the time of cancellation.
Cancellations close to the travel date, during peak season or for fixed departures may attract higher or 100% cancellation charges.
Permit fees and any non-refundable bookings cannot be refunded once processed.
No refund is given for unused services, nights or sightseeing, or for changes due to weather, roadblocks or flight cancellations.
Refunds, where applicable, are processed after the amount is received back from the hotel or supplier.
Highlights of this high-altitude Ladakh tour
- Hanle: stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Asia, two nights so you have a second chance if it is cloudy.
- Umling La: the road over Umling La is often described as the highest motorable road in the world.
- Turtuk and Thang: Balti culture and India's northernmost villages.
- Pangong to Hanle: a remote route past small lakes and nomad grazing grounds that few travellers see.
Read our Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri guide for more.
Good to know before you book
Leh is at about 3,500 metres (11,500 feet). Everyone, however fit, needs a slow first day: rest, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and exertion. Read our altitude sickness and packing guide before you travel.
Hanle has only basic hotels, guest houses and homestays in every category, with limited electricity and hot water. The Umling La day is very long (about 260 to 280 km, 10 to 12 hours) and reaches extreme altitude, so it is not suitable for young children, pregnant women or anyone with heart or breathing problems. Access to Umling La and Demchok depends on army and administration permission on the day. Bring warm layers, a down jacket and a torch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Umling La?
About 5,800 metres (19,024 feet). It is often described as the world's highest motorable road, and the climb is short, so only spend a few minutes at the top.
What is special about Hanle?
Hanle is part of a dark-sky reserve, with the Indian Astronomical Observatory nearby. On a clear night the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Is this trip suitable for senior citizens?
Only for very fit seniors with medical clearance. The altitude and long drives are demanding; our 5-night or family package is a better choice for most seniors.
Are permits needed for Hanle and Umling La?
Yes, for the protected areas. Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and some other areas need a permit along with environment, wildlife and Red Cross fees. Rules for Indian citizens have been relaxed in recent years and change from time to time, so we arrange the permit or fee receipts for you; carry an original government photo ID. Access to Umling La and Demchok can be restricted at short notice.
When can I do this trip?
Usually from June to September, when the roads to Hanle and Umling La are most reliable.
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A glimpse of the experience.
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