Ladakh Special Winter Experience

Route & Distance: Leh Airport - Hotel (approx. 7 km), Optional Light Walk - Nearby Market Area (3–5 km)

You arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, where the cold, thin winter air reminds you that you’ve entered the Trans-Himalayan world. You will be greeted by our representative, and a short transfer will take you to the hotel for slow acclimatisation. The day is intentionally relaxed, with warm tea, gentle sunshine through the frozen windows, and short walks only if the body feels up to it. By evening, you may step out briefly near the hotel to absorb Leh’s winter calm. overnight stay at the Leh hotel.

Experiences:

• First exposure to winter Ladakh (Temperature -5°C to -15°C).
• Winter sun views over the Stok Range.
• Limited shops open in the Main Bazaar.
• Oxygen level check and briefing by the coordinator.

Food:

• Light meals: soup, porridge, dal-rice.
• Avoid heavy, oily food and alcohol.
• Herbal butter tea to stay warm.

Activities:

• Hydration routine.
• Gentle acclimatization walk.
• Warm clothing setup.
• Early sleep for oxygen adjustment.

Route & Sequence:

Leh Palace - Tsemo Monastery - Shanti Stupa (3–5 km)

Leh - Sangam View Point - Magnetic Hill - Ice Stupa Site - Gurudwara Pathar Sahib - Hall of Fame - Leh

Leh - Rancho’s School - Return

After a warming breakfast, the day begins with an immersive introduction to Leh’s winter heritage. You start by exploring the historic Leh Palace, followed by a scenic ascent to Tsemo Monastery, where calm hilltop views reveal the frozen terrain below. The morning continues at Shanti Stupa, its white structure gleaming against the crisp winter sky. As the day progresses, the journey extends beyond the town to witness the dramatic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam Viewpoint, before experiencing the intriguing optical illusion of Magnetic Hill.

Afternoon, you proceed to the Ice Stupa site, where innovative glacier-like formations rise in shimmering stillness. The return route adds a warm spiritual pause at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and a reflective visit to the Hall of Fame Museum, celebrating Ladakh’s culture and valour. The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Rancho’s School, featured in cinema, before returning to Leh for a relaxed winter evening.

Experiences:

• Views of Leh from hilltop heritage points.
• Magnetic Hill phenomenon.
• Frozen Indus–Zanskar confluence.
• Ice Stupa innovation site.
• War museum insights.
• Druk White Lotus campus exterior.

Food:

• Hot thukpa, momos, butter tea.
• Local bakery soup bowls.
• Gurudwara langar (respectfully optional).

Activities:

• Photography stops.
• Short winter walks.
• Cultural learning.
• Souvenir shopping (limited stalls).

Route & Distances: Leh - Khardung La – Diskit - Hunder

The day begins with a steady ascent from Leh into a whitewashed Himalayan world, gradually climbing toward Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes, where a short halt offers sweeping views of snow-clad peaks and icy windswept terrain. From here, the journey eases into the quieter landscapes of Nubra Valley, where the descent reveals broader valleys, rivers edged with frost, and ancient Diskit monasteries resting peacefully against the mountains. As you continue deeper into the valley, winter-kissed dunes and the unique scenery around Hunder create an almost surreal contrast between desert textures and snow. The day settles beautifully as the evening light paints the Hunder Dunes in soft pastel hues, offering a serene winter finish before resting in the valley.

Experiences:

• Snow-wrapped Himalayan pass.
• 15–20 min Halt only at Khardung La.
• Diskit Monastery & giant Buddha statue.
• Sunset at snow-touched Hunder dunes.

Activities:

• Monastery visit.
• Valley photography.
• Evening relaxation (no late-night walks).

After a warm breakfast in Hunder, the day begins with the drive back toward Leh, retracing the route that rises once more to the lofty winter heights of Khardung La. The ascent reveals a fresh perspective, with clear morning visibility, sparkling snow crystals, and frozen streams lining the roadside. A short, mindful halt at the pass allows for a final glimpse of the stark white panorama before descending gradually toward Leh. The journey remains smooth and efficient, with only brief stops to limit exposure to the cold. By early afternoon, you return to Leh, where the remainder of the day is kept free for warmth, rest, and acclimatized relaxation after crossing the winter pass.

Experiences:

• Snow-covered bends and high mountain walls.
• Chance to observe local ice hockey rinks.
• Viewpoints are ideal for winter photography.
• Returning comfort of Leh heating and facilities.

Activities:

• Travel with warm breaks.
• Indoor relaxation back in Leh.
• Optional evening café visit.

Route: Leh - Chang La - Tangtse - Pangong - Durbuk - Leh

After breakfast, the day sets out early for a long yet rewarding winter excursion toward Pangong, passing quiet villages, frost-lined curves, and steadily climbing roads that lead to Chang La. A short halt at the pass offers a glimpse of its crisp, high-altitude winter scenery before the journey continues deeper into the remote landscape. Eventually, the vast expanse of Pangong reveals itself- frozen into striking blue-white layers, with clear air, stillness, and dramatic horizons perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. After soaking in the surreal winter atmosphere, the return drive follows the route through Durbuk and Sakti, offering snapshots of isolated hamlets and everyday life enduring the cold season. Due to the extreme night temperatures and absence of heated accommodation, the day concludes back in Leh, ensuring warmth, safety, and comfort after the frozen lake experience.

Experiences:

• Snow walls and thin-air pass crossing.
• Frozen rivers and icy streams.
• First view of frozen Pangong.
• Cinematic photo points.
• Remote winter village landscapes.

Activities:

• Controlled exposure to cold.
• Iconic photography.
• Scenic winter sightseeing.
• Early night rest.

Route & Distance: Hotel - Leh Airport

A relaxed winter morning allows for unhurried packing and a final glance at Leh’s snow-draped ridgelines before departure. The air feels calmer, and the pace intentionally slower after days of high-altitude exploration, frozen landscapes, and memorable journeys across passes and valleys. Soon, a comfortable transfer takes you to the airport, where warm reflections, photographs of icy vistas, and stories of winter Ladakh accompany your farewell.

Experiences:

• Calm winter goodbye.
• Smooth departure assistance.

Activities:

• Packing.
• Airport drop.
• Tour completion.