The Ladakh Villages Tour

The Ladakh Villages Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi

Meet one of the tour operators on arrival at the airport before transferring to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the ever-so-popular city and hustling and bustling through Delhi at your leisure!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Fly to Leh

Set your alarm and get ready to wake up early! You will transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh at 5:40 am. At 7:05 am, you'll hop off the plane in Leh, the joint capital of Ladakh. A member of the tour will greet you, and you'll transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting acclimated! Do note that you've suddenly landed at 3,500 m above sea level. If you're feeling okay, it's suggested to stroll through the bazaar, which boasts of souvenirs, jewelry, antiques. It's located below the towering Leh Palace. Otherwise, take it easy for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Discover the Thikse Gompa and Shey Village

Wake up before the sun and travel to the Thikse Gompa, while the sun blankets the sky with pink and golden hues. Here, the monks assemble in the main prayer hall for early morning Puja, a worship ritual. After this experience, you’ll head to a local restaurant for breakfast. Next, you’ll embark on a two-hour walk to Shey Village. Meander the chortens dotting the ancient capital of Ladakh. After lunch, you’ll get a chance to check out Leh Palace, which was built in the 1600s. Finally, finish day two of sightseeing with a visit to the magical-looking Shanti Stupa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Day trip to Hemis, Traktok, and Stok Palace

Get ready for a day trip from Leh to Hemis, the largest monastery within Ladakh, backed by a snowy mountainous backdrop. You’ll see Traktok Gompa, constructed around a cave, and Stok Palace, where old artifacts and stories of the banished royals who used to live here lay. Afterward, you’ll spend another night in Leh.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Travel to Likir

Today you will travel to Likir, a postcard-painted village tucked into the mountain slopes. En route from Leh to Likir, you’ll stop by the 16th-century Phyang Monastery. After here, you’ll stop by Nimo to check out the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, where two different river colours meet to form one picturesque view! Once you reach Likir, you’ll check into the guesthouse before visiting the Alchi Monastery. Admire the history, clay Buddha statues, and ancient paintings dotting this monastery. Finally, enjoy a relaxing night in Likir.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Likir (3,650m / 11,975ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Day trip to Lamayuru

Get ready to view one of the most breathtaking monasteries in Ladakh today! In the morning, you will drive 110 km to the Lamayuru Monastery, which harks back to the 10th century. The ancient architectural masterpiece sits along a rocky slope while the mountains line the backdrop. After viewing this stunning historical monastery, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The next activity has you embarking on a short 30-minute walk to the Monastery of Rizong. Once you’ve finished this jaunt, you’ll return to Likir.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Likir (3,650m / 11,975ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Visit the Likir Monastery

After breakfast, you’ll check out another remarkable monastery, the Likir Monastery. This monastery sits atop a grassy slope and towers over the valley below. You’ll also visit the charming mountain-backed village of Yangthang before heading to Hemis Shukpachan, layered with apple and apricot plantations, for the night. One of the highlights of today includes a visit to a local house for Ladakhi Gur-Gur tea—otherwise known as butter tea.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Hemis Shukpachan (3,650m / 11,975ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Drive to Temisgam

Another day, another quaint, charming village! Enjoy breakfast before driving for two hours to Temisgam, where apples, walnuts, and pears grow in abundance. Once you arrive, you’ll head to the village's end towards Tingmosgang palace, a fortress surrounded by old buildings. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and enjoy a relaxing, cozy evening in your homestay.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Temisgam (3,230m / 10,600ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Return to Leh

After breakfast, jeeps will greet you and take you back to Leh. En route, stop at Spituk Gompa, which sits precariously on a hilltop, surrounded by an array of mountains. It towers above the Indus valley! After viewing this masterpiece, you’ll continue driving toward Leh. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Nubra Valley

Today you’ll embark on the more rustic portion of the Ladakh Village Tour, but to reach your next destination, you’ll need to drive along the world’s highest drivable road: Khardungla Pass. The views are astounding! At some point, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in Khardong. Continue driving until you enter Nubra Valley. You’ll spend the night at a tented camp in Tirith. And don’t worry! They are large tents with two cots, pillows, blankets, and mattresses. Enjoy the sweet smells of apples and apricots circling the air. In the afternoon, relax at the Panamik Hot Springs.
Overnight Location: Campsite in Tirith (3,170m / 10,400ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Day trip to Deskit and Hunder

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before heading to Deskit, Nubra Valley’s headquarters. Marvel at the 515-year-old monastery stationed on the hilltop here. Afterward, drive to Hunder and admire the array of camels in the area. You may even get the chance to ride one! Then, you’ll stop at the Samstanling Monastery. Finally, it’s back to camp in Tirith.
Overnight Location: Campsite in Tirith (3,170m / 10,400ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Return to Leh

After breakfast, you’ll head back to Leh via the road you came, stopping for a picnic in the same location en route. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Fly to Delhi

Say goodbye to the ever-so stunning Ladakh region and take an early flight to Delhi at 7:40 am. At the airport, someone from the tour will greet you, and you’ll transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon, you’ll spend some time exploring Old Delhi. Check out the 17th-century built Red Fort, Jama Masjid (regarded as India’s most beautiful mosque), and more!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 Visit the Taj Mahal

Today’s excursion marks one of the highlights of this tour! Take a train ride, which lasts just under two hours, to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. This city is one of the most picturesque places on Earth! While you’re here, you’ll also check out the Agra Fort and one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. You’ll depart Agra in the evening and head back to Delhi.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 Explore Delhi

Due to your early morning flight from the international airport, you'll have to check out of your hotel by noon, but you can keep your bags at the hotel. During the afternoon, you'll explore more areas of Delhi, including the India Gate, government buildings, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Iron Pillar, and more! Enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel before departing to the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast