Ladakh
Delhi – Leh – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Manali – Delhi
Main Tour: (17 Days) – (Sep/Oct)
Journey to Ladakh, the “Roof of the World.” Cross the highest drivable passes on Earth, offering unparalleled mountain views of landscapes sculpted by eons of geological processes. It’s a dream trip for geologists, anthropologists, and photographers alike.
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Cost
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Experience unique culture of Ladakh, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism
  • Travel on some of the highest roads in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views
  • Geological Wonderland – Gain unparalleled insights into millions of years of geomorphological processes
  • Visit Buddhist Monasteries – many of which are over a millennia year old
  • Tso Moriri – Largest Lake in the Trans Himalayas, that is located within India
  • Hanle – a dark-sky reserve, home to IA Observatory

FEATURES

  • Small Group (10- 15 people) – ensures a container of safety and personalized care for your journey
  • Experienced local guides – fluent in English and Hindi
  • SUV’s with drivers – maximum of 3-4 people (excluding the driver) in each car
  • Exciting and Safe travel – taking the “hassle” out of being in India so you can relax and soak up the experience
  • High Quality Amenities – top class accommodation, outstanding food, every effort made to accommodate dietary and personal needs
  • The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure & Cultural Experience – Connections with local people open doors to remarkable experiences and encounters

TOUR OVERVIEW

This trip will take you to Ladakh, a region of the Indian Himalayas, where you will see magnificent landscape formed by millions of years of Geomorphological processes, and houses draped with vibrant prayer flags with friendly locals warmly greeting you with “Julley“. This region is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” and was historically, briefly, a part of the kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet. This entire journey is a dream come true for geologists, anthropologists, and photographers alike. It offers unparalleled insights into geomorphological processes that have operated on Earth over millions of years (evident through Ladakh’s landscape), as well as insights into the region’s cultural heritage rooted in Tibetan Buddhism (evident in local monuments, arts and cutlure).

Your trip will start in Leh, Ladakh – where you will acclimatize to the high altitude, and familiarize yourself with the local culture. From Leh, you will embark on a journey to Changthang Plateau, after which, you will take a side road to Manali. This journey from the stark lunar-like landscapes of Ladakh, to the rich greenery of Manali – will take you through one of the highest drivable passes in the world, and offer spectacular views along the way.

Major highlights of this trip will be visiting Tso Moriri and Hanle on Ladakh’s Changthang Plateau. Tso Moriri is India’s largest lake in the Trans-Himalayas, a haven for rare migratory birds like the Black-necked Crane, and also famous for nomads that breed Pashmina Goats. Its deep blue brackish waters, framed by barren mountains, create breathtaking vistas. With its altitude above 4000 meters, spectacular arid landscape, cloud-free blue skies, crystal-clear atmosphere, and remoteness from major settlements, it truly is a paradise for stargazing. Hanle is renowned as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve and a paradise for stargazing due to its high altitude and minimal light pollution.

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW

CULTURE

This trip ventures into Ladakh, a region in the northern Indian Himalayas often called the “Roof of the World.” Situated above 3500 meters and bordering Tibet, Ladakh’s history is deeply intertwined with Tibetan kingdom of Guge, of which it was once briefly a part. This historical connection is evident in its profound cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, influencing its language (Bhoti, akin to classical Tibetan), customs, and spiritual practices. Monasteries, some over a thousand years old like Alchi, Hemis and Lamayuru, are vibrant centers of faith, art, and community, preserving ancient murals, scriptures, and traditional rituals. Despite their harsh high-altitude environments, communities thrive, celebrating life through colourful festivals like Losar, and maintaining a resilient, close-knit, and deeply spiritual way of life. Friendly locals greet you with “Julley.”

GEOGRAPHY

Ladakh, meaning “land of high passes,” extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himalayas in the south. This region, one of the most sparsely populated in the Indian Himalayas, sits at an altitude of over 3500 meters. Located in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, these towering mountains block the moisture-laden monsoon clouds, preventing them from reaching these areas. Consequently, Ladakh receives very little precipitation (less than 50-150 mm annually), resulting in its distinctive high-altitude cold desert landscape with barren, arid mountains – which are a stark contrast from the verdant valleys on the rainy side of the Himalayas. Several small towns in Ladkah boast of over 250 to 300 sunny days a year.

GEOLOGY

The geomorphological history of Ladakh is a dramatic tale of continental collision. This region lie within the Trans-Himalayas, where the Indian plate has been subducting beneath the Eurasian plate for millions of years. This immense collision created the towering Himalayan ranges, resulting in extensive folding, thrust faulting, and crustal thickening. Evidence of the ancient Tethys Sea is abundant in marine fossils and sedimentary layers. Glacial erosion, river incision, and arid weathering have further sculpted the landscape into its distinctive high-altitude cold desert form, with deep gorges and vast plains.

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE HIMALAYAS

Please be advised that traveling by roads in the areas that we will be going to in the Himalayas is not for the faint of the heart. You can consider them to be combination of logging roads and extreme mountain roads in western Canada and USA. A significant portion of the route can be unpaved, high-altitude dirt track. We go great lengths to make sure that the best drivers are hired for this fabulous journey. It is an adventure. The tentative itinerary cannot always be guaranteed as these roads can be temporarily closed due to landslides.

HIGH ALTITUDE & ACCLIMATIZATION

Please be advised that High Altitude is not a joke, and can have serious consequences. This tour will take you to locations at an extremely high altitude. Acclimatization is crucial for enjoying a safe and comfortable high-altitude experience. Your body needs time to adjust to reduced oxygen levels (atmospheric pressure). Please consult with a medical professional before your trip.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a common reaction to rapid altitude gain. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Prevention is key: ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and rest. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Severe AMS can progress to life-threatening conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

ROUTEMAP

Route Map - 2020 Spiti & Ladakh
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PLACES ON THE MAIN TRIP

Leh, 3500 m. – Capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh

The town serves as a bustling hub, blending ancient monasteries with modern cafes and markets.

Alchi, 3100 m. – A masterpiece of Indo Tibetan Art

Known for a monastery dating back to 10th century.

Lamayuru, 3510 m. – Lunar-like landcape, often called “The Moonland”

Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and largest in Ladakh

Hanle, 4500 m. – The “Dark Sanctuary”

Known for its 17th century Monastery & 21st century Observatory.

Tso Moriri, 4522m. The “Dark Sanctuary”

Largest lake in Trans-Himalayas located totally within India.

Manali, 3100 m. – Valley of Gods

Transition from the stark lunar-like landscape of Ladakh, to verdant valleys of Manali.

  • Leh
  • Hanle
  • Tso Moriri
  • Manali
  • (17 DAYS)
The monsoon would have just ended in India, so it will be an excellent time to travel in the Himalayas.

PLEASE NOTE that this is a tentative itinerary. We do try to follow the original plan as close as possible. But the exact dates might differ depending on the road condition and other factors that can’t be controlled or predicted. The Pick-up and Drop-off date will not change. Please read TOS for details.

View Route Map
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DAY 0: NEW DELHI

Late Evening/Night Pick Up at International Airport New Delhi.

Please make sure that you reach Delhi by the night of day 0. 

DAY 1-5: LEH, LADAKH

Leh is the capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh. It is a high-altitude town set against a stunning backdrop of stark mountains and the Indus River. Situated in the west of Tibet, Ladakh has a rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Here, you will see houses draped with vibrant prayer flags and friendly locals warmly greeting you with “Julley.“ Leh offers adventure and cultural immersion amidst breathtaking beauty. Main attractions in town are Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. The town has 500+ year old monasteries, as well modern cafes and markets – creating a very eclectic mix of experiences for the visitors. 

Day 1: Leh, 3500 m.

Morning flight from New Delhi (DEL)  to Leh (IXL): 1h, 30m.

Day 2-5: Leh, 3500 m.

Acclimatization, Local day excursions around Leh.

DAY 6-10: CHANGTHANG
Hanle, Tso Moriri

Day 6: Hanle, 4500 m

Leh to Hanle: 250 km, 5-7 h.

Day 7: Hanle, 4500 m

17th century Monastery & 21st century Observatory.

Day 8: Tso Moriri, 4595 m.

Hanle to Karzok (Tso Moriri): 160 km, 4-7 h.

Day 9: Tso Moriri, 4595 m.

Village Walks.

Day 10: Tso Moriri, 4595 m.

Hike up to view point. Visit nomadic village raising Pashmina Goats.

DAY 11-14: Road to Manali
Jispa, Manali, Kullu

Day 11: Tso Kar, 4530 m.

Drive from Kalpa to Tabo: 190 km, 6-9 h. Time permitting, visit Nako village and lake en route.

Day 12: Jispa, 3200 m.

Tso Kar to Jispa: 225 km, 6-8 h.

Day 13: Manali, 2050 m. 

Jispa to Manali: 100 km, 2-4 h.

Day 14: Manali, 2050 m. 

Hadimba Temple, Local Sightseeing

DAY 15-17: Delhi
End of the Tour

Day 15: Delhi

Kullu (KUU) to Delhi (DEL) flight: 1h 30m.

Day 16: Delhi

Local Sightseeing, State Emporiums

Day 17, Delhi

The cost of your tour package covers your stay till the morning of Day 17.

  • Thank you - Jullay - Merci - Au Revoir

Main Tour: Sep/Oct (17 Days)

Pick Up and Drop Off: New Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Please make sure that you reach Delhi by the night of Day 0

Prices for this incredible journey will be available by September 2025. Stay tuned!

PRICE INCLUSIVE OF

  • All Accommodation/Lodging while in India
  • Cost of all meals, except where otherwise specified (Alcohol Exclusive)
    Please check itinerary for details.
  • All Transportation costs within India (Air Travel, Trains & Cars/Taxi)
  • Entrance Fee and Guide Services for Museums and Monuments
  • Permits and other fees incurred while traveling in India
  • Cost of special events like Cooking Evening or a Culture Show

PRICE EXCLUSIVE OF

  • International flight to/from India
  • Visa Fees for India
  • Any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the tour
  • Room Charges at hotels for snacks, drinks and laundry etc.
  • Any medical or other insurance coverage such as travel insurance
  • Excess Baggage Fees on flights within India
  • Tips and Gratuities to the local staff in India
  • Religious Offerings and Dana
  • Pay Pal (Transactional) charges, for people not able to deposit the money directly into the bank in Canada.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To book your spot on this trip, please make the booking deposit, into the bank account of “Journey to Himalayas”. The full balance of your trip is due 90 days before the trip start.

CANCELLATION FEE

More than 15 weeks before the trip: 50% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Between 10 and 15 weeks before the trip: 100% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Within 10 weeks of the trip’s start: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited (no refund). Please read TOS for details.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Booking for this trip will open in September 2025.

Be the first one to hear about it by signing up for the “Journey to Himalayas” Newsletter

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To register/book (confirm your spot) for this tour, you are required to
1. Register Online (Book Now)
2. Make a payment of the booking amount or full amount of the tour package.
After you register on the website, you will get the banking info in the email.

Payment Options:

    1. BANK DEPOSIT
      You can deposit directly into the “Journey to Himalayas” bank account in Canada (CIBC). You can go to the bank personally or send the money by email transfer or wire transfer. We also accept money through TransferWise. Your order will get confirmed only after we have received money in our bank account.
    1. PAY PAL (JTH Website)
      You can use your credit or debit card to directly make the payment.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: If you are paying by “Bank Deposit”, you will not be required to make any payment through this website. We still encourage/suggest our clients to go through the steps in the “Book Now” section to register themselves online. This helps us to keep your information updated. We will need this information to make hotel and travel bookings in India. Through your account profile, you will also be able to check the status of your payment. Thank You!

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Each person has an individual room