Ladakh, India
Leh Ladakh Backpacking Trip
Nubra · Pangong · Khardung La
4.9(312 sample reviews)BackpackingFriendsAdventure
- Duration
- 6D / 5N
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group size
- 12–16 travellers
- Best season
- Jun – Sep
- Pickup / drop
- Leh Airport → Leh Airport
- Max altitude
- 5,359 m
Overview
This 5-night, 6-day backpacking trip is the classic Ladakh introduction — high passes, cold deserts, ancient monasteries and the surreal blue of Pangong Tso. We start in Leh with a full acclimatisation day (non-negotiable at this altitude), then loop through Nubra Valley and Pangong before returning via Chang La. Small groups, handpicked stays and trip captains who know these roads inside out.
- Drive on Khardung La — one of the world's highest motorable roads at 5,359 m
- Camp beside the colour-changing Pangong Tso at 4,350 m
- Ride a double-humped Bactrian camel on Hunder's cold desert dunes
- Visit Diskit Monastery and its 106-ft Maitreya Buddha statue
- Walk through Leh's vibrant local market and cosy cafes
- Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam
Route: Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso → Chang La → Leh
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Arrival in Leh. Leisure day for acclimatisation.Rest, hydrate, walk slow
Arrive at Leh airport after a scenic flight over the Himalayas. Our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Complete check-in and rest. We suggest a short, gentle walk around the hotel in the evening to help your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight in Leh.
- Airport transfer
- Acclimatisation walk
- Leh market stroll
- Meals
- Dinner
- Stay
- Hotel in Leh
- Altitude
- 3,500 m
Day2Leh local sightseeingShanti Stupa · Pathar Sahib · Magnetic Hill · Sangam
After breakfast, head out for local sightseeing. Visit Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of Leh, then Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Witness the optical illusion at Magnetic Hill, see the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar at Sangam, and explore the Hall of Fame museum. Spend the evening in Leh's local market. Overnight in Leh.
- Shanti Stupa
- Magnetic Hill
- Sangam Point
- Hall of Fame
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay
- Hotel in Leh
- Altitude
- 3,500 m
Day3Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung LaWorld's highest motorable road
Drive on Khardung La (5,359 m) — one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Stop at Diskit Monastery, home to the 106-ft Maitreya Buddha. Continue to Nubra Valley, also known as Ldorma or the Valley of Flowers. Optional: double-humped Bactrian camel safari or ATV ride on Hunder sand dunes. Overnight in Nubra.
- Khardung La
- Diskit Monastery
- Camel safari
- Hunder dunes
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay
- Hotel / Camp in Nubra
- Altitude
- 3,048 m
Day4Nubra to Pangong Tso via ShyokThe colour-changing lake
Journey to Pangong Tso via the Shyok route, crossing Agam and Shyok villages. Arrive at the famous lake — 4 km wide, 136 km long, at 4,350 m. Admire the changing colours of the water, visit the 3-Idiots shooting point and spend the evening by the lake. Overnight in camps beside Pangong.
- Shyok route
- Pangong Tso
- 3-Idiots point
- Lakeside sunset
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay
- Luxury camp near Pangong
- Altitude
- 4,350 m
Day5Pangong to Leh via Chang LaReturn through Chang La (5,360 m)
Catch the sunrise over Pangong before driving back to Leh via Chang La (5,360 m). En route, stop at Thiksey Monastery — one of the most beautiful in Ladakh. Arrive in Leh by evening. Spend your last evening shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a cafe. Overnight in Leh.
- Pangong sunrise
- Chang La
- Thiksey Monastery
- Leh market
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay
- Hotel in Leh
- Altitude
- 3,500 m
Day6Departure from LehFly home with a camera roll full of stories
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight. The trip ends with a bag full of memories and a group chat that won't stop buzzing.
- Airport transfer
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Stay
- —
What’s included
- Accommodation5 nights — hotels & luxury camps (twin/triple sharing)
- Meals5 breakfasts + 5 dinners
- TransportAll transfers & sightseeing by tempo traveller / SUV
- Trip captainExperienced English/Hindi-speaking captain
- PermitsInner Line Permits for Nubra & Pangong
- Oxygen & first aidOxygen cylinders & basic first aid on board
- SightseeingAll entry fees & permits as per itinerary
Not included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Lunch on all days
- Camel safari, ATV rides, rafting, or any adventure activities
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- 5% GST
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions
What to pack
- Waterproof rucksack or backpack (no trolley bags)
- Warm layers — fleece, down jacket, thermals
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank & extra batteries
- Personal medication & basic first-aid
- ID proof (Aadhaar / passport)
Good to know
- Stay
- 5 nights in hotels and luxury camps on twin/triple sharing.
- Transport
- All transfers and sightseeing by tempo traveller / SUV with an experienced mountain driver.
- Meeting point
- Leh Airport (IXL) arrivals — your trip captain holds a BYKO board. Pick-up is timed to flight arrival on Day 1.
- Age group
- 18–40 years
- Itinerary order can change due to weather, road or permit conditions.
- Prices, availability and seat counts shown are demonstration values.
Cancellation: Free reschedule up to 30 days before departure; staged cancellation charges after that. (Placeholder terms — see the cancellation policy page.) Full policy
Upcoming departures
Next dates: 31 Oct 2026 · 03 Nov 2026 · 07 Nov 2026 · 11 Nov 2026 · 25 Nov 2026 · 03 Jul 2027. Pick one in the booking card.
Frequently asked questions
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Yes. It's a backpacking trip, not a trek. Fitness required is moderate — you should be able to walk 2–3 km comfortably. The main challenge is altitude, which is why Day 1 is a full acclimatisation day.
How do I reach Leh?
Fly into Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh. Flights from Delhi take about 1 hour 15 minutes. We recommend booking morning flights to avoid weather delays.
What is the group size?
We keep groups small — 12 to 16 travellers. This means faster check-ins, better conversations and more flexibility on the road.
What about altitude sickness?
We carry oxygen cylinders and a basic medical kit on every trip. Our trip captains are trained to recognise early symptoms. The best prevention is hydration, rest and following the acclimatisation schedule.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Absolutely. If you're a private group, family or couple, we can tailor dates, stays and activities. Head to our Custom Trips page or call us.
Traveller reviews
Sample reviews with fictional names — replaced by real reviews once the reviews API is connected.
Kabir M.
Jul 2025
“I came for the destination. I stayed for the people, the food and one very chaotic ride. The captain was a legend.”
Meera K.
Aug 2025
“Every detail felt considered, but nothing felt over-planned. Exactly how travel should be.”
Rohan & Mira
Aug 2025
“The best kind of luxury is having someone else handle the details while you enjoy the view.”
From ₹29,999₹24,999 / person
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Travellers
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Estimated total₹49,998
Sample pricing — final price is confirmed by our team.
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