Ladakh is not just a place, it's a dream, a home, an emotion. The very beauty of Ladakh lies in its tough accessibility making it one of the most undiscovered tourist destinations in India and a holy-grail for offbeat travelers. And in this Itinerary, we will be covering the two most untouched and beguiling locations of Ladakh that have caught the spotlight by enthusiastic travelers in the past year. Hanle, India’s first dark night reserve and home to the Astronomical Observatory of India is literally heaven for stargazers and astrophotographers who wish to capture the magic of this Universe. And Umling La, World’s Highest Motorable Road perched at an elevation of 19, 300 ft is a journey of a lifetime. For those who crave the extraordinary, those who seek to feel the adrenaline rush and to those who dream of Biking, this is the place where all your dreams come true.To reach Ladakh and explore it like a true nomad, one needs to possess innate qualities of patience, perseverance and dedication. The winding valleys, the rugged terrains, the cold temperatures and surviving with basic necessities is not a cake-walk for all, which is what makes this a unique Itinerary suited for the bravehearted.

We start our journey from Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh.The day we arrive at Leh, travelers are recommended to go under strict acclimatization and make sure their bodies adjust to the temperatures for a safe journey ahead. We recommend our travelers to drink plenty of water, indulge in minimal physical activities and rest through the day. On the next day, we will be exploring Leh’s magnificent gems like the Sangam Site, the confluence of two massive rivers, Indus and Zanskar, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and more. On the third day as we head to Nubra Valley, we will be crossing Khardungla Pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, located at an altitude of 17, 582ft. It is a high altitude cold desert, which means it has scant vegetation and green cover. Wherever your eyes go, you’ll see vast barren lands, covered with sands and rocks which gives it a surreal look. Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley, with origins going back to the 14th century. Diskit Gompa is also famous for the statue of a protector deity (Kali) holding the head and arm of a medieval Mongol soldier. We will also be covering Turtuk, the last village on the India-Pak Border that is famous for its apricot laden orchards and vibrant landscapes. On our 5th Day, we head to Pangong Lake which is situated at an altitude of 14, 272ft and is a saline lake. It is 134 kms long and extends from India into China. The lake is so beautiful and serene with its calm, glimmering blue water, that many Bollywood movies have been shot here, most famous being 3 Idiots. The crystal clear waters of the lake shine in many shades of blue depending upon its depth and with the sunlight.

Today, we will finally set off for Hanle village, one of the largest villages in Ladakh, situated near the Hanle river. Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory which is the world’s highest observatory at 14, 764ft. As night approaches, you will witness twinkling stars slowly blanketing the sky in an eternal glow. The Milky Way starts to get more evident as dawn approaches, all in all, today’s night will be one of the most memorable nights you have spent here. The next morning brings with it hope, excitement and peace. After a warm breakfast, you will be given detailed instructions about riding rules, routes and more and with time, the team will gear up to conquer the one and only, Umling La. Umling La Pass is the highest motorable road in the entire World and is perched at an height of 19, 300ft. Being here, riding on these terrains as the wind hits you from both sides and mountains rise higher every passing moment, is an unforgettable feeling that leaves a deep imprint on your soul. Today’s ride teaches you all about teamwork, it gives you a sneak peak into your own self and most of all leaves you feeling grateful for this life. After spending the whole day revving your engines at Umling La, we will finally head back to Hanle only to let the night sky be the most perfect ending to the day.

By the end of this journey, you will feel a lingering sense of calm that keeps you smiling. Today, we head back to Leh where we spend the evening cherishing memories, hopping cafes and buying souvenirs for your friends and family. The next morning, bid your friends goodbye, and take a moment to bid adieu to Ladakh as you head back home via Leh Airport.