Classic Ladakh
Example Itinerary
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Overview
An adventure that visits one of our favourite Indian destinations, this amazing cultural journey takes you to the remote Buddhist world of ‘Little Tibet’, otherwise known as Ladakh. A wonderful mix of dramatic Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist cultural charm and charming accommodation, this ten day journey is perfect for India lovers with a real sense of adventure. The journey begins in Delhi, your gateway into the greater Himalaya. After taking an epic flight over the Himalaya, you ...
An adventure that visits one of our favourite Indian destinations, this amazing cultural journey takes you to the remote Buddhist world of ‘Little Tibet’, otherwise known as Ladakh. A wonderful mix of dramatic Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist cultural charm and charming accommodation, this ten day journey is perfect for India lovers with a real sense of adventure. The journey begins in Delhi, your gateway into the greater Himalaya. After taking an epic flight over the Himalaya, you will reach Leh. Here you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful monasteries and palaces of this region, including a day trip to see the spectacular turquoise blue Pangong lake, before heading into the remote Nubra Valley. This provides your gateway into the timeless world of the high Himalaya, where you will have a chance to experience traditional Ladakhi village life. The journey continues to the remote village of Nimmu, situated by one of the worlds' great rivers, where you will get your adrenaline rush rafting down the Indus River. Then explore the surrounding monasteries and forts, including rare 11th century frescoes before returning to Leh, and the start point of Delhi.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore the city independently.
Day 2 DELHI - LEH
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport for your flight, high over the Himalayas to Leh. Once there, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. We recommend a quiet day today with gentle local walks around town, sipping plenty of tea, as your body adjusts to the altitude. The evening is free to have dinner either at your hotel or in town.
Day 3 LEH
We recommend that you take this morning slowly and relax as you will still be feeling the effects of the altitude. However, a little more activity will be planned for the afternoon, with a guided visit to the spectacular monasteries of Thiksey, Matho and Shey, the ancient capital on the Indus, with its giant golden Buddha. Here you will find beautiful palaces, temples and restored murals. Dinner once again can be either at your hotel or at a restaurant in town, we recommend the Tibetan Kitchen.
Day 4 LEH
Depart early this morning to witness the morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill with formidable views of the Indus Valley. The monastery is known for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and Dukhang assembly hall, which houses hundreds of wooden and silk prayer books. Then explore Hemis monastery, one of the largest and most revered monasteries in Ladakh, which is also home to a charming museum. Return to Leh, stopping via Shey Palace, the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Enjoy a heritage walk through Leh, where the old part of the town is particularly interesting and remarkably well-preserved, with over a hundred and eighty old buildings, including several Buddhist temples and mosques.
Day 5 LEH - PANGONG TSO - LEH
You will go on a full day tour to Pangong Tso lake, situated at 4,300 metres, the endorheic lake is a beautiful lake with crystal clear blue waters set against the striking backdrop of stark scree slopes and snow-capped mountains. After a short exploration of the lake and a picnic lunch return to Leh. Today will be a long day and for those wanting to skip the Pangong Tso excursion we can arrange alternative activities in and around the Leh and Zanskar valley or visit Choglamsar village for a séance session with the village Oracle.
Day 6 LEH – NUBRA VALLEY
One of the late areas to be opened to foreign visitors, visiting Nubra Valley, lying high on the Tibetan Plateau, is like stepping back in time. After breakfast you will drive the highest road in the world, over the Khardung La (5600m), before descending into the valley. Nubra Valley was on the old caravan trade route to Central Asia, a feeder to the famous Silk Route and still home to impressive monasteries. In the afternoon, you'll be free to explore the region.
Day 7 NUBRA VALLEY
Today you will explore the valley, passing through villages to see how the Nubra people live, visiting local monasteries, enjoying the magnificent culture and scenery. You will visit the 17th century Diskit monastery, dramatically perched on a hill with stunning views of the valley and river below. A visit to the nearby Nubra dunes will show you the local Bactrian camels; their ancestors were once used on the Silk Road trading routes that passed this way. In the evening a local meal will be served.
Day 8 NUBRA VALLEY - NIMMU
Today you will be collected from your hotel in the Nubra Valley and transferred to Nimmu village. The journey today will take around six hours, going past beautiful Himalayan scenery and via the Khardungla Pass once more. You will stop at Khardungla to take pictures and have a cup of tea, before descending down to the valley.
Day 9 NIMMU
Get your adrenaline fix this morning on a rafting excursion down the Indus River. After tackling the rapids, you will return to the lodge for breakfast. Later today you will explore Alchi Monastery and its famous frescos with your guide followed by a picnic lunch at Basgo fort and a visit of Likhir monastery. The rest of the day is free to relax or walk around the stunning setting of Nimmu.
Day 10 NIMMU – LEH - DELHI
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Leh for your flight to Delhi. Here you will connect with your onward flight home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
The Claridges, Delhi
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. Under current management, the hotel has a blend of tradition and modernity. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your heart's content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages; the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine; Sevilla, for all your tapas needs; Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open; Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is a must try; or the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa to enjoy at the end of a busy day.
Grand Dragon, Leh
The Grand Dragon is the best hotel in Leh. The hotel has been constructed using local methods and materials and focuses on eco-friendly hotel generating its own electricity through solar panels on the roof of the building. There are 59 rooms and suites at the hotel, each with en-suite bathroom with the luxury of under floor heating. The rooms either have north facing views to the snow covered Stok range or south facing views to the Leh Palace and Khardongla Pass. The hotel has a lovely restaurant serving International and regional cuisine and also a coffee shop with views out to the gardens.
Desert Himalaya Camp, Nubra Valley
Located in the Nubra Valley, the Desert Himalaya Camp offers a comfortable camping option with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The tents have been fitted with some modern comforts, including clean and comfortable beds and mattresses and en suite bathrooms with hot and cold water. Each tent has its own terrace area where you can relax and watch the sunset or marvel at the stars, and in order to fully embrace the natural setting there are no TVs and electricity is only available til around 10.30pm. The Camp’s restaurant serves buffet style meals with a variety of Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes, or guests can rejuvenate with a dip in the fresh spring water pool.
Nimmu Guesthouse, Nimmu
Nimmu House is one of the few last surviving examples of an original style of traditional Ladakhi house. The owners have restored this heritage home into a charming boutique guesthouse. Located close to Indus and Zanskar rivers, this charming Ladakhi mansion has four charming bedrooms in the main house and five tents in the gardens - all with attached bathrooms. The rooms and are equipped with large queen size beds, table fans, heaters and electric kettles. The cuisine is a mixture of traditional Ladakhi and western food that’s served in the main dining space in the house or alfresco under the apricot and apple trees. The house has a small and well stocked library and public spaces include a cosy living room in the main house. Nimmu House offers the prefect location to explore the nearby village, go on day hike in the surrounding countryside, enjoy a picnic lunch on the river or visit the fascinating 11th century Alchi monastery.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
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Check out our group tours in India
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