Oases and Peaks at World’s End

We head towards Leh on a small road north of the Indus Valley through Hemis Shukpachan. We make the most of this short leg by visiting several sites: Likir monastery, the picturesque village of Yangthang, or Basgo, which was once the royal capital. We return to Leh and can spend the rest of the day as we wish.

We climb up a series of hairpin turns towards Khardung La pass, the highest motorable road in the world at 5,370 metres above sea level! The scenery is magical with the Zanskar range to the south and the Karakoram mountains to the north. We descend through the Shyok and Nubra valleys, where time seems to have stood still. At Khalsar, we turn northwest towards the Hunder sand dunes.

We use this short biking stretch to really appreciate Nubra Valley’s magnificent natural wonders. If the weather is good, we can take a swim in a waterfall or go for a pleasant walk between Summor’s old stone walls, willows, poplars and irrigation channels, a lively oasis that never disappoints.

We make our descent along the Nubra Valley, then on a superb asphalted road which runs alongside the Shyok River and its valley with an end-of-the-world sort of vibe. We leave the river’s vast valley behind us and head up towards the traditional village of Tangyar and Wari La Pass, at 5,300 m altitude. We pass the 4,000 metre mark, zigzagging down minor roads.

We head towards Tso Kar Lake. In no time, the Indus River is behind us and we head south on a small road winding down the Rumtse Gorge, where we experience a extraordinary explosion of colours. Then we make for Tanglang La Pass (5,315 m), the second highest motorable pass in the world! We coast down on a smooth, sandy track to the salt lake surrounded by an indescribably beautiful lunar landscape.

Via a sandy, sometimes stony track, we travel deep into Changtang, Ladakh’s most remote region, where only a few villagers permanently live. We reach the famous Tso Moriri Lake with its varying shades of turquoise, depending on how the light catches it. We have some free time to visit Korzok, one of Rupshu’s only villages, and its pint-sized monastery.

We head north and reach the Indus River at the Mahe bridge check post. The road back to Leh is a dream: it winds its way along the sacred river through gorges that become narrower and narrower. Then, the valley gradually opens out in all its glory as we approach Ladakh’s capital.

Today is a free day in Leh (a buffer day, just in case). You can take a bike ride to Stok palace or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family.

This is the end of your amazing Indian Himalayan adventure! In the morning, you are taken to Leh airport for a domestic flight to Delhi, where you are transferred on to the hotel.

You have a free day in Delhi today (buffer day). Among this hustle and bustle, havens of peace do exist: recharge your batteries in Lodhi Gardens, admire the Lotus Temple’s modern architecture or discover the capital’s mini Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You are transferred to Delhi international airport according to your flight schedule, where our services end.