Leh & Pangong Tso

Wind your way through a surreal landscape of high passes, wind-carved cliffs, and shifting shades of desert. En route to Leh, you’ll stop at the towering Maitreya Buddha carved into the hillside at Mulbekh, cross two dramatic Himalayan passes, and visit the otherworldly terrain of Lamayuru (often called “Moonland” for its alien topography). By afternoon, you’ll follow the emerald Indus River, pausing to explore Alchi’s thousand-year-old monastery before arriving at a boutique eco-resort on the quiet outskirts of Leh.

After a leisurely breakfast, set out for Pangong Tso: one of the world’s highest lakes, shimmering in blues and greens at over 4,200 meters. The drive itself is an adventure, taking you up and over the snow-dusted pass of Chang La (5,300m) before descending to the lake’s remote eastern shores. Stay in Merak, the last Indian village before the Chinese border, and take in the silence, the star-filled sky, and a sunset you’ll never forget.

Wake to sunrise light bouncing off the water before making your way back to Leh. En route, visit Thiksey Monastery– a stunning, cliffside complex often compared to Tibet’s Potala Palace. Once back in town, stroll the Leh Bazaar for traditional Ladakhi goods, from apricot oils to turquoise jewelry. End the day with a rooftop view from Shanti Stupa and a celebratory dinner to mark the end of your high-altitude adventure.

Early morning, you’ll fly out of Leh and touch down in Delhi, with a jolt of color, chaos, and cuisine. After checking into your five-star hotel, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore India’s capital: from Mughal monuments to modern street food gems. This is a chance to experience a new energy before the journey winds down.

Enjoy one final breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight. You’ll leave with a camera full of unreal landscapes, a heart full of stories, and maybe a little apricot oil in your bag too.