Ladakh sits between three and five thousand metres. That single fact shapes everything: how fast you can move, where you sleep on night one, and whether the trip is a pleasure or a headache.
We plan the first three days almost entirely around doing very little in Leh, which is what makes the rest work. After that the passes open up – Nubra over Khardung La, Pangong for the light, and the gompas that are still full of monks rather than ticket desks.
A starting point, not a fixed departure. Every element below can be lengthened, shortened or swapped.
Every journey is quoted individually once we know your dates, party size and pace. The first conversation is free.
Roads to Nubra, Pangong and Spiti open roughly June to September and can close at short notice. We keep a spare day in every Ladakh itinerary for exactly that. Anyone with heart or lung conditions should speak to a doctor before booking – we will tell you honestly if we think the altitude is unwise.
Fly to Leh – the approach over the Karakoram is worth the window seat. The road in from Manali or Srinagar is spectacular but only open roughly June to October.
Inner Line Permits are needed for Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri. Indian nationals apply online; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, which we arrange. Carry several photocopies – they are collected at checkposts.
This is the one that matters. Leh sits at 3,500m and Khardung La is above 5,300m. We build in two nights of doing very little before you go higher, and we do not compress it however tight your dates are. Talk to your doctor about acetazolamide before you travel.
A proper down layer even in July, sunblock at a strength you would think absurd at sea level, lip balm, and twice the water bottles you expect.
Add a week, drop the walking, bring the children, or start somewhere else entirely. We redraw every itinerary from scratch.
