Ladakh, India
Ladakh: How to Do the High Passes Right
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Ladakh is India at its most cinematic — moonscapes, monasteries and lakes the colour of stained glass. It sits high, though, so the golden rule is acclimatise.
The rhythm
Rest on arrival in Leh (3,500m). Then monasteries — Thiksey, Hemis — before crossing Khardung La to Nubra, and finally the electric blue of Pangong.
Stay safe & prepared
Take it slow the first 48 hours, skip alcohol, carry your permits and plenty of cash — cards rarely work up here. June to September is the season.
Day-by-day itinerary
Leh
Sun, 6 SeptBoutique Guesthouse, Leh
Leh market
6 Sept, 8:30 am
Delhi → Leh
Delhi (DEL) → Leh (IXL)
6 Sept, 12:40 am
Leh Palace
tourist attraction
Namgyal Hill Leh Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, 194101
Shanti Stupa
buddhist temple
Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, 194101
Leh market
market
5H7P+M6C, Leh, 194101
Leh
Mon, 7 SeptBoutique Guesthouse, Leh
Leh market
6 Sept, 8:30 am
Thiksey Monastery
buddhist temple
Thiksey, 194201
हेमिस गोम्पा
tourist attraction
Hemis 194201
Shey Palace
premise
Shey Palace, Manali - Leh Hwy, Shey, 194201
Nubra
Tue, 8 SeptKhardung La
natural feature
Khardung La, 194401
Diskit Monastery
buddhist temple
GHV7+8GG, Diskit, 194401
Nubra Valley Sand Dunes
tourist attraction
JCFP+PX5, Nubra, Skampuk, 194401
Pangong
Wed, 9 SeptPangong Tso
lake
Pangong Tso
Chang La Pass
natural feature
Chang La Pass, 194201
High-altitude kit
- Diamox (ask your doctor)
- Down jacket & thermals
- Lip balm & heavy sunscreen
- Permits for Nubra/Pangong
- Cash — cards rarely work
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