Ladakh and Nubra Valley: a cultural experience

Delhi
Arrival at Delhi airport. Transfer to the hotel for some rest. Around 10am, after breakfast, guided tour of Old Delhi. In particular, the visit includes the Red Fort (visit from the outside only), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, built in 1639 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid, one of the largest of India, where an ancient copy of the Holy Quran written on deer skin is conserved. Visit the small back streets of this part of the city like Chawri Bazar which is one of the busiest streets in Old Delhi. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandi. After lunch you will visit New Delhi with its luxurious buildings, such as the India Gate, an arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British army during the First World War, and the Parliament. In the late afternoon the tour will continue to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship in India, known as the “Sarovar”. Then transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi (B)

Delhi – Leh
After an early breakfast, you are transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Leh. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day rest in the hotel premises to provide the necessary time to adjust to the altitude.
Overnight in Leh (B, L, D)

Leh
After breakfast, visit the TCV school, an integrated charitable organisation, which aims to ensure that all Tibetan children under its care receive a good education, a strong cultural identity and become self-sufficient and active members of the Tibetan community and the world. This is the only Tibetan school in Ladakh. Later transfer to Leh. Exploring the fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and picturesque local bazaars. The main street is open and airy, with rows of shops on both sides. Visit the spectacular Royal Palace of Leh, an amazing historical building that dominates the city; built in the 16th century, more or less in the same period as the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), which in fact has similar features. In the evening, walk to the Shanti Stupa to admire a beautiful sunset.
Overnight in Leh (B)

Leh
After breakfast, visit Thiksey and Hemis monasteries for morning prayer. Thikshey Monastery, perched on a rocky hill, resembles the Potala Palace in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, famous for its distinctive architecture and location. Located on the top of a hill in the Indus Valley, the 12-floors monastery has 10 temples, assembly hall, rare and precious stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. It housed a large statue of Maitreya Buddha, whose purity of gaze invites reflection and silent meditation. Here you will participate in the morning prayer. Later, visit the Hemis monastery, the most famous and largest in Ladakh, belonging to the Drukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. During the festival of the same name, which takes place every year in the monastery, you can witness at the Cham dance known as dance of the mystical mask. The monks wear flowing brocade costumes and brightly painted papier-mâché masks, depicting demons, and perform the chams or masked dance, representing the victory of good over evil. On the way back to Leh visit the Stok palace which houses a beautiful private museum. It will be a superb collection of thangkhas, which is said to be the best in the world.
Overnight in Leh. (B)

Leh – Lamayuru
After breakfast, drive to Lamayuru, a small village located about 2 hours from Leh, known for its ancient monastery and unique rock formations. The route takes you through mountain passes, river valleys, and remote villages, offering plenty of opportunities to see the typical landscapes of Ladakh. On arrival, visit the Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, founded in the 11th century and a key center of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Built on a rocky hill, the monastery provides excellent views of the surrounding “moonland” terrain and houses several old temples, murals, and religious artifacts. Afterwards, visit the nearby meditation center, home to a small community of yogis who continue to practice traditional Tibetan tantric meditation. Here, you will have the chance to meet them, learn about their way of life, and witness the Chod ritual, a spiritual practice symbolizing detachment from the ego. Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi lunch at the meditation center, followed by free time to walk around the village and take in its quiet atmosphere.
Overnight in Lamayuru. (B, L, D)

Lamayuru – Villaggio di Hanu
After breakfast, depart by road towards the Dah and Hanu villages, located approximately 2 hours’ drive from Lamayuru. These remote settlements are home to the Aryan community, a small ethnic group believed to have preserved its Indo-Aryan heritage and traditions over centuries.Upon arrival, you will spend the day exploring the villages, walking through narrow paths lined with apricot trees and stone houses. You will meet members of the Aryan community, known for their distinctive features, colorful traditional clothing, and deep pride in their ancestry. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about their way of life, focused mainly on agriculture and livestock. The locals cultivate wheat, barley, and apricots, and raise goats, yaks, and sheep — an important part of their self-sufficient economy. Lunch will be served in the village: a traditional Aryan meal prepared with local ingredients. In the afternoon, you will have more time to interact with the families, discover their customs, and observe their craftsmanship and everyday activities. This is a unique chance to experience the culture of one of Ladakh’s most fascinating and little-known communities.
Overnight in homestay in the village (B, L, D)

Villaggio di Hanu – Uleytokpo
In the morning spend some time in the village with your host family, free time to stroll and to interact with locals enjoying their special hospitality. Traditional lunch with the community with local products. After lunch overland transfer to Uleytokpo (around 3 hrs). Check in a tented camp and enjoy the location. This is a special opportunity to live an extraordinary experience in a tent camp, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayan region between wide valleys, impressive mountain peaks and lunar landscapes. Free time to explore the surroundings, before your stay overnight in the tented camp.
Overnight in Uleytokpo (B, L, D)

Uleytokpo – Leh
In the morning visit Rizong monastry. Situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru. It was established in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima under the Gelukpa order, at Ri-rdzong. There are 40 monks in the monastery. The monastery is also called “the paradise for meditation” and is noted for its extremely strict rules and standards. After the visit, transfer for lunch at Alchi kitchen, to enjoy Ladakh’s traditional cuisine. Later visit the Alchi monastery. Founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, it was richly decorated by Kashmiri and Tibetan artists. This monastery is famous for its magnificent, very well-preserved wall paintings, dating back to the 11th or 12th century. The monastery is run by Likir monks and is no longer active as a place of worship. Last visit will be Likir Monastery, built in the 11th century and known for a 75 m high Buddha statue. The Likir monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh and has many stories of its existence and origin. It offers panoramic views of the surreal landscape and the snowcapped Himalayan mountains. The natural beauty of the nearby surroundings attracts numerous visitors across the globe. While visiting this monastery, make sure that you also visit the small villages near the gompa as they offer amazing views for flawless photography. After the visit, transfer to Leh (around 1 hr) for overnight.
Overnight in Leh (B, L)

Leh – Nubra Valley
After breakfast, depart from Leh for Nubra Valley, one of the most picturesque regions of Ladakh, known for its dramatic landscapes of sand dunes, rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours, crossing the famous Khardung La Pass (5,359 m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Along the way, stop to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos of the surrounding Himalayan scenery.
On arrival in the valley, before heading to Hunder, stop to visit Diskit Monastery, the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Nubra. Here you can admire the impressive 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, with spectacular panoramic views over the valley below. Continue to your accommodation in Hunder village, where you can take some time to relax. Later in the evening, experience a short camel safari on the unique sand dunes of Hunder, home to the double-humped Bactrian camels, a remnant of the ancient Silk Route trade caravans. This is a unique way to enjoy the surreal desert landscape surrounded by snow-clad mountains.
Overnight in Hunder (B, D)

Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder
After breakfast, depart towards Turtuk, a remote village on the edge of the Shyok Valley, just a few kilometres from the Line of Control. The two-hour drive takes you through breathtaking desert scenery and along the banks of the Shyok River. Upon arrival, you’ll discover one of the most fascinating cultural enclaves in Ladakh: Turtuk is home to the Balti people, an ethnic group with deep Indo-Tibetan roots and a unique way of life preserved over centuries. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll explore the narrow lanes of the village, visit the modest royal house—now a small museum—and learn about the history of the region, once part of Baltistan before the borders shifted in 1971. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with villagers, sample locally grown apricots, and enjoy a traditional Balti lunch prepared by your hosts. In the afternoon, take a short walk to a small monastery overlooking the valley for panoramic views of the dramatic landscape before returning to Hunder by late afternoon.
Overnight in Hunder (B, L, D)

Hunder – Sumur
After breakfast, depart from Hunder for a short drive to the village of Sumur, located on the opposite bank of the Shyok River in the Nubra Valley. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and begin your day exploring this quiet, spiritual corner of Ladakh. The morning starts with a visit to Samstanling Monastery, an active and colorful Buddhist monastery nestled on a hill, surrounded by poplar trees and fields. Here you can observe the daily rituals of the monks and admire the vibrant murals depicting Buddhist deities and legends. After the monastery visit, take time to stroll through the surrounding sand dunes near Sumur, where the desert meets the high Himalayas. The unique landscape of rolling sand dunes framed by snow-capped peaks is one of Nubra Valley’s most iconic sights. In the afternoon, continue to Ensa Monastery, perched on a cliff with sweeping views over the valley. This quiet, less-visited monastery offers a sense of solitude and authenticity. You’ll then stop at Panamik Village, known for its natural hot springs. Here you can relax and experience a traditional hot-water soak, appreciated by locals for its therapeutic properties.
Return to your accommodation in Sumur for dinner and a restful evening.

Overnight in Sumur (B, L, D)

Sumur – Lago Pangong
After an early breakfast, depart by road for Pangong Lake, one of Ladakh’s most iconic destinations, situated at an altitude of over 4,200 meters. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours through scenic valleys and high mountain passes, including a section along the beautiful Shayok River.
Upon arrival at the lake, enjoy the striking landscape of turquoise waters set against rugged mountains and wide open skies. Spend the afternoon walking along the shoreline, relaxing, and taking in the quiet and unique atmosphere of this high-altitude lake.
Later in the evening, take some time to enjoy the changing colors of the lake at sunset, a sight that makes this destination unforgettable. Dinner and overnight stay are included as part of the organized tour.
Overnight in Pangong (B, L, D)

Pangong – Leh
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Leh. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours and follows a different route via Chang La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world at over 5,300 meters. Along the way, enjoy one last look at Ladakh’s dramatic landscapes — wide valleys, rocky peaks, and small mountain villages.
Arrive in Leh by mid-to-late afternoon. After checking in, you’ll have some free time to rest or take a final stroll through the bazaar to pick up souvenirs or simply soak in the atmosphere of the town.
Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Overnight in Leh (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport and depart for your international flight via Delhi.