The classic Ladakh road journey — Leh, the Nubra dunes over Khardung La, and the surreal blue of Pangong Tso.
Beyond the main Himalayan range lies Ladakh, a cold desert of staggering scale on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Here you trek between ancient gompas and prayer-flag passes, climb accessible 6,000 m peaks like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, or walk the frozen Zanskar in deep winter. Everything starts from Leh, and the short summer season runs June to September.
Over 6 days, the trail reaches a high point of 5,602 m at a Easy grade, run from Leh. The best window is May–Sep.
Enquire about this trek →A typical day-by-day for this trek. Exact stages, altitudes and stays can vary with the operator, season and conditions — confirmed, with departure dates, when you enquire.
Fly into Leh (~3,500 m); rest and acclimatise.
Visit monasteries and the local sights while adjusting to altitude.
Drive over Khardung La to the Nubra dunes at Hunder.
Long, scenic drive to the blue lake of Pangong (~4,350 m).
Return drive to Leh via Chang La.
Fly out of Leh.
The best months for this trek are May–Sep.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
Graded easy. Short days and gentle gradients make this one of the friendlier treks — a fine first Himalayan experience for most ages with a little fitness.
It tops out at 5,602 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Ladakh treks set off from Leh — for this trek, the base is Leh. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
Most Indian Himalayan treks need forest, wildlife-sanctuary or trekking permits, usually arranged for you by the operator. Some high or restricted routes also require a registered guide.
Pack light but ready for mountain weather — warm by day, cold by night. Rent bulky gear if you’d rather not buy; own anything that touches your skin. The essentials:
This trek reaches 5,602 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
Yes — graded Easy, it suits fit first-time trekkers, with short-to-moderate days and no technical climbing. A few weeks of light cardio beforehand is all most people need.
The best window is May–Sep. Avoid the July–August monsoon unless the trek is specifically a monsoon route.
The trail is doable independently in good conditions, but a guide is recommended — they sort permits, camping and safety, and it is what most trekkers choose.
The best months are May–Sep, when days are pleasant. It still gets cold at night near 5,602 m, so pack warm layers regardless of season.
Plan for 6 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
Costs vary with group size, season and inclusions — send a quick enquiry and we will share a current, all-in price for Leh, Nubra & Pangong Tour.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek