Ladakh: Monasteries Above the Clouds

An acclimatisation-first journey through the high desert. Morning prayers at Thiksey, the ancient murals of Alchi, the dunes of Nubra and a night by the shifting colours of Pangong — with oxygen, permits and pace handled by our Leh team.

Highlights

• Two full days in Leh to acclimatise properly
• Dawn prayers at Thiksey monastery
• The 11th-century murals of Alchi
• Crossing Khardung La into Nubra
• A night in a luxury camp at Pangong Tso

The journey

1. Days 1–2

   Arrive and acclimatise

   Fly into Leh and rest. Gentle walks only: the old town, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa at sunset on the second evening.

   Overnight: Boutique hotel, Leh

2. Day 3

   Mountain monasteries

   Dawn prayers at Thiksey, then Shey palace and Hemis, the largest of Ladakh’s gompas.

   Overnight: Boutique hotel, Leh

3. Day 4

   Down the Indus to Alchi

   Past the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar to the painted temples of Alchi, returning via Likir.

   Overnight: Boutique hotel, Leh

4. Days 5–6

   Over Khardung La to Nubra

   Cross one of the world’s highest roads into Nubra. Diskit monastery, the dunes at Hunder and a day trip to Turtuk.

   Overnight: Luxury camp, Hunder

5. Days 7–8

   Pangong Tso

   Along the Shyok river to Pangong. Sunset and a night of stars by the lake.

   Overnight: Lakeside camp, Pangong

6. Days 9–10

   Return to Leh & depart

   Back over Chang La to Leh for a final evening, flying out the next morning.

   Overnight: Boutique hotel, Leh

Where you’ll stay

When this journey works best

Places on this journey

Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Indus Valley Monasteries