Ladakh 4N/5D - Khardungla excursion

Day 1: Arrival in Leh & Mandatory Acclimatization

• Morning Arrival: Land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh and transfer to your hotel.
• Strict Rest: Spend the entire morning resting in your room to let your body adjust to the 11,500-foot altitude.
• Evening Walk: Take a gentle, slow-paced walk through the Leh Main Market to buy local handicrafts and enjoy local Ladakhi tea.
• Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Leh. 

Day 2: Leh Sightseeing & Acclimatization Drive

• Leh Palace: Explore the 9-story former royal palace overlooking the town.
• Shanti Stupa: Visit this white-domed Shanti stupa in Chanspa for a panoramic sunset view of the Indus Valley.
• Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Leh.

   

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

• The Climb: Depart Leh by 7:30 AM to beat the traffic window and ascend the winding roads to Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft). 
• Summit Stop: Spend a strict maximum of 15–20 minutes at the top to take photos with the iconic yellow milestone sign and enjoy a quick hot beverage.
• Diskit Monastery: Descend into Nubra Valley and visit the ancient monastery to see the giant 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. 
• Hunder Sand Dunes: Spend the late afternoon riding double-humped Bactrian camels against the backdrop of desert dunes and snow-capped peaks. 

Overnight: Stay at a deluxe tented camp or guest house in Hunder.

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Leh (The Return Journey)

• Sumur Village: Visit the quieter side of the valley to explore the Samstanling Monastery in the morning.
• Return Ascent: Drive back up through the Khardung La Pass, keeping a lookout for changing weather conditions.
• Souvenir Shopping: Arrive back in Leh by late afternoon and head back to the market for any last-minute shopping.

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Leh.

Day 5: Departure from Leh

• Airport Transfer: Check out early in the morning and transfer to the airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your high-altitude adventure.