A Leh-Ladakh tour is all about sublime vistas of rugged mountains set against clear blue skies, a landscape dotted with crystal lakes, picturesque meadows and charming old Tibetan monasteries. The untouched landscape offers premier options for adventure lovers, and the diverse wildlife draws nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
We, at Flying Squirrel Holidays, plan your Leh Ladakh Tour Packages to ensure that you get the most out of your dream trip. Keeping all your needs in mind, our bespoke Ladakh tour plans help you spend unforgettable days in the charming land of customs and colourful festivals!
The summer months between April and June are generally considered to be the best time for a visit in Leh Ladakh. The temperatures range between 5 degrees celsius and 30 degrees celsius, and the warm days are perfect for enjoying the charms of the area.
Adventure sports, such as rafting, biking and hiking are popular during these months, and camping by the lakes is fast becoming a favourite of visitors. The monasteries are easily accessible because of the clear roads, and the monks of historic Hemis Monastery celebrate the Hemis Festival with a lot of pomp.
Monsoon in Ladakh is captivating, with the Indus and the Zanskar rivers swelling up and flowing with fresh vigour. The highlights of a trip during this time are calming visits to the monasteries and food trails across the territory.
The months between October and March turn Ladakh into a winter wonderland, and are the best time to visit Ladakh for activities like ice skating, skiing, and ice hockey. Thrill seekers can choose challenging treks over the frozen rivers. The winter months are also the time for many festivals, and the warmth of the locals make them unforgettable.
Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Ladakh, the trip is sure to be etched in your mind. Let us see what experiences await you in the land!
Buddhism dominates Ladakh and countless monasteries dot the hills and valleys of the area. The gompas, meaning ‘solitary places’, are the centers of Buddhism, and act as the place of worship for monks and followers. Oftentimes, the monasteries are built on an elevated point overlooking towns and settlements, and the bright hued prayer flags ruffle in strong contrast to the white washed stupa walls.
Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh, and is situated a little outside Leh. The Hemis Tsechu is an annual festival held in summer, and once in every 12 years, the centuries old painting of Padmasambhava, the Guru to whom the monastery is dedicated, is unfurled. The museum within the monastery houses ancient sculptures and silk paintings, and visitors pick up some souvenirs from the curio shop.
Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest in Ladakh, and a lot of legendary stories surround it. One such tale says that Rinchen Zangpo, a Tibetan translator, built the monastery overnight, and commissioned artists from Kashmir to paint on the walls. Owing to these paintings, the monastery is starkly different from others in Ladakh.
Phutkal monastery in Zanskar is situated on a clifftop, and the primary place of worship is inside a cave. To reach the monastery, visitors have to undertake an arduous journey on foot, but the views throughout the walk are spectacular. It is interesting to notice that Phutkal is one of the few monasteries that is adorned with paintings similar to the style found in Alchi.
Diskit Monastery is in Diskit, the administrative quarter of Nubra valley. The 14th century monastery is the largest and the oldest in the valley, and the massive statue of Maitreya Buddha draws believers in large numbers. The Dosmochey Festival is celebrated with grandeur every winter in Diskit, and makes for a memorable experience.
There are countless other gompas in the territory with Spituk Gompa being the most popular one, and a visit to them is a must on any Leh Ladakh Tour. They form the cultural center of the area and are a great way to connect with the locals and learn about their lifestyles.
The Ladakh landscape offers unsurpassable opportunities to indulge in exhilarating activities. Soaring peaks, gushing rivers, expanses of frozen lakes, deserts as far as the eye can see- Ladakh is truly a gem ready to be discovered by thrill seekers.
The currents of the Indus and the Zanskar rivers are strong during the monsoon months, and ideal for river rafting. Most stretches along these rivers have currents ranging between grades I and III, meaning even beginners can try their hand at the sport.
The stretch between Upshi and Kharu have grade I and II currents and is especially recommended for first timers. Phey-Nimo, with slightly stronger, grade III currents, meanders by some charming little hamlets and monasteries, and the views from the route are a delight.
The stretch between Chilling and Nimo is a more challenging option, and its grade IV rapids are great for advanced rafters.
The rugged landscape of Ladakh makes mountain biking a thrilling and testing activity, and our Ladakh tour packages usually devote at least a day to it. Longer routes can span as long as two weeks. Cyclists who want to challenge themselves choose the route from Manali to Leh, which involves traversing an arduous 14-day route.
Alternative routes running between Leh and Nubra or Leh and Pangong can be completed in just over a week. However, regardless of the time spent cycling, the experience is sure to leave an indelible mark, and the massive effort that a cyclist puts in is instantly rewarded with the most stunning views of the territory.
Motorbike tours across the territory are a favourite of seasoned riders, and the roads of Ladakh are a test of one’s mettle and skills. Sometimes paved, sometimes unpaved, oftentimes twisting and twirling down mountain sides, the biking routes allow riders to chart an off the beaten track journey across the valley.
Common routes run from Srinagar to Leh, Leh to Pangong, Leh to Nubra and Manali to Leh. These routes pass by scenic villages and quaint monasteries, and involve biking on some of the famous motorable passes of the area.
The peaks and valleys of the region are also an ideal destination for paragliding, and the activity is fast gaining popularity. Khardung La and Leh are the best places to indulge in tandem paragliding, and adventure companies running services offer state of the art experiences.
Camping in Ladakh is an incredible experience which allows one to see the beauty of the sky and the valley without any barriers. A number of campsites have been set up in the territory, and the best ones are situated adjacent to river banks.
A favourite of couples, the campsites allow one to enjoy cracking bonfires under starry skies. With the intimacy it offers, it is no surprise that the activity is a must-add to any Leh Ladakh package for couples.
Ladakh is a paradise for those looking for a more active vacation, and one can really get close to nature here. With a wide range of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
The terrain of Ladakh is one of the best in the country to undertake a trek. Most of the treks in the region are organised between May and October. However, the Chadar trek and the Snow Leopard Trek allow one to explore the untouched beauty of the area in the dead of winter.
There are a variety of treks available in the area with varying levels of difficulty. The Sham Valley trek is one of the best routes for beginners. Passing through orchards and monasteries, the 30 kilometer expanse is not very steep to climb. The Indus Valley trek is another easy option, and it lasts for around 8 days.
The route running between Phyang and Hunder follows the historic Silk Route. Acting as the connection between the Indus Valley and the Nubra Valley, the route offers stunning views of the Karakoram Range.
The Rumste-Tsomoriri Trek is an impressive route that offers unmatched views of the landscape. Passing by rough mountains of a variety of sizes and colours, it crosses the picturesque TsoKar and TsoMoriri lakes. The trek is challenging because of its high elevation, and it is important to get acclimatized before attempting it.
Two of the most unique trekking experiences in Ladakh are the Chadar Trek and the Snow leopard Trek. Attempted in the winter months, they are not fit for beginners. The 9 day long Chadar Trek involves trekking long distances over the frozen Zanskar River between massive gorges and passing by frozen waterfalls.
The frozen river is clear and reflects the skies, and every moment of the trek is deeply rewarding with the most surreal sights. The Snow Leopard Trek is undertaken early every year to spot the elusive wild cat in Hemis National Park. The biting cold temperatures make the trek difficult and a lot of patience is required to spot the leopard. The trekkers trek through the Park and the Rumbak Valley, and the route ends at the Indus.
There are countless more trekking routes in Ladakh and each one is better than the other. The raw beauty of the area is best explored on foot, and the sights from the high passes are breathtaking.
Built in the 17th century by the Namgyal Dynasty, the Leh Palace was the residence of the royal family of Leh. Throughout its existence, it has seen unrest and wars, and was captured by invaders. However, the palace has managed to retain some of its glory, and draws lots of visitors today. The structure is based on the Potala Palace of Lhasa and overlooks the Stok Kangri range. The views of the town surrounding it are fantastic. The museum within its premises holds interesting artefacts and ancient paintings, and are a delight to explore.
The imposing white structure was built in 1991 to mark 2500 years of Buddhism, and is a part of the Japanese Peace Pagoda Mission to promote world peace. It is situated on the top of a mountain, at a high altitude, and the scenic views from its premises are mesmerizing. It houses ancient relics of Buddha and draws a number of visitors annually.
The war museum was built by the Indian Army to commemorate their historic win over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. Showcasing weapons used in the war, army emblems, and war document archives, the museum has been dedicated to martyrs, whose names have been inscribed in the walls. A 15-kilogram heavy National flag of India was hoisted in its premises to mark the 13th anniversary of the victory.
Spend peaceful days in the Monasteries and Gompas
Camp under the starry skies
Visit the Nubra Valley and see the Bactrian Camels among the huge sand dunes
Challenge yourself with rafting in the strong currents of the rivers
Trek across the undulating landscape
Ride a bike across the famed mountain passes
The trans-border saltwater Pangong Lake is an incredibly scenic Ladakh tourist spot. Because of its sensitive location, it can only be accessed up to a certain extent, but that does not hamper its magnificent charm. The lake is situated a little away from Leh, and it takes a five-hour long drive to reach it. The drive itself is gorgeous, offering mesmerizing views of its surroundings. Only a third of the lake is within the Indian territory; the remaining part is under the control of China.
The lake is a favourite of photographers, and spending a short while by its banks reveals the reason. The clear waters are known to change colours- oftentimes bright blue, sometimes green and sometimes even red, and it is truly wonderful to witness. The only activity allowed in the area is camping by the shores, and one should not miss out on it!
One of the most mysterious places in Ladakh, Magnetic Hill is on the Leh-Kargil highway. The hill is famous for being able to drag stationary cars uphill, and theories say that it is because of its strong magnetic field. The theory is so widespread that planes are known to divert their routes to avoid interruptions. However, the theory has not been proven scientifically.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE ITINERARIES. FLYING SQUIRREL HOLIDAYS WORKS WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS TO TAILOR MAKE YOUR DREAM LADAKH TOUR PLAN FOR YOU)
Here are some of our popular packages:
Best of Ladakh: 5 Nights and 6 Days
Leh Ladakh Kargil Tour Package: 7 Nights an 8 Days
Ladakh Highlights Package: 6 Nights and 7 Days
Day 1
Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend some time acclimatizing to the weather, and enjoy lunch in the hotel. Visit the Shanti Stupa and the Leh Market in the evening, and head back to the hotel for dinner.Day 2
After an early breakfast, drive on the Srinagar Leh highway and visit the Kargil War Museum. Next, visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, a highly revered Gurudwara maintained by the Indian Army. After enjoying a hearty local lunch, head to Magnetic Hill to witness the mysterious phenomenon of the hills magnetic field. Head back to the hotel for dinner.Day 3
After breakfast, drive to Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The drive is enchanting, passing by snowy peaks and overlooking beautiful valleys. Head back to the hotel for lunch, and spend the rest of the day in leisure exploring the Leh market.Day 4
Have a hearty breakfast and start on a five hour drive to the Pangong Lake. All the drives in Ladakh are stunning, and this is no exception. Spend a day by the charming lake and head back to the hotel for dinner.Day 5
Day 5 is for visiting monasteries and other attractions around Leh. After breakfast, start on the Indus Valley monastery tour. Visit the Shey and the Thiskey Monasteries, and then head to Stok Palace, the residence of the royals of Leh. Spend some time at the Sindhu Ghat, a peaceful bank along the Indus River and head back to the hotel for dinner.Day 6
After breakfast, head to the airport to catch a flight back home.Please email me a copy of the sample itinerary
The cost of the Ladakh trip depends on several factors like transportation, sightseeing activities, the type of hotel you choose from budget to premium and the number of days you want to spend there. Get in touch with us to customize your tour according to your preferences.
Which month is best for Ladakh?
April to June is undoubtedly the best time to visit Ladakh.
What is Ladakh famous for?
Ladakh is quite famous for its mountains and longing valleys. It is also known for its wonderful places for trekking and camping.
Is passport required for Ladakh?
No, there is no need of passport or visa for the Indian citizens. You may however require certain permits to visit certain restricted areas of the Ladakh region.
Is Leh-Ladakh good for honeymoon?
If you both love adventure, then Leh Ladakh is definitely the place for you. Camping and rafting are the activities that the couples will enjoy in Leh Ladakh.
A trip to Leh and Ladakh is a wonderful experience filled with contrasts. The chill of the weather is thawed by the warmth of the welcoming locals and the tranquility of Buddhist monasteries coexist with the thrill of strong water currents and sky high mountains. Whether you want to spend your time around a bonfire under the night sky or glide across mountains, Ladakh makes sure that your days are unforgettable. The untouched beauty of Ladakh is waiting to be discovered!
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