Srinagar to Leh and Manali via Umling La

Arrive in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Check in to your houseboat or hotel and take time to rest after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake. Visit the historic Mughal Gardens, taking in Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Continue to the Hazratbal Shrine situated on the northern shore of the lake. Dinner is included this evening, and you stay overnight in Srinagar.

Have breakfast and begin your drive towards Kargil. You will pause en route at Sonamarg, known as the Meadow of Gold. Climb up and across Zoji La Pass at 3,528 metres. In Drass, recognised as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial. Continue along the road to reach Kargil by the evening. Check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Eat breakfast and set out towards Leh. On the way, stop at Lamayuru Monastery, among the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Stop to observe the distinct terrain of the Moonland landscape nearby. You will also have access to an oxygen cylinder in the vehicle starting today. Reach Leh by the evening, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

After breakfast, head out on an adventurous mountain drive to Nubra Valley across Khardung La Pass at 5,359 metres, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Arrive in the valley between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges and check in at your hotel in Hunder. Visit the Hunder Sand Dunes, where a Bactrian camel safari is optional at personal cost. Later, explore Diskit Monastery and admire its giant Buddha statue before dinner and sleep.

Take in the sunrise at Hunder and finish breakfast. Depart on a day excursion to Turtuk, a village located near the border with Pakistan. Known for its distinct Balti culture and apricot orchards, Turtuk offers a chance to explore its monastery and interact with local residents. After touring the village, drive back to Hunder in the evening to relax, eat dinner, and stay overnight.

Have breakfast, check out from your hotel, and drive towards Pangong Lake through the scenic Shyok Valley. Arrive at Pangong Tso, renowned for its vivid blue shades set against high mountain ridges. Spend the evening strolling along the lakeshore. Dinner is provided at your accommodation, and you will stay overnight in cottages by Pangong Lake.

Wake early to watch the morning sunrise over Pangong Lake. Following breakfast, set out on a drive across the wide Changthang Plateau heading towards Hanle. On arrival, visit the Hanle Monastery and tour the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Check in to your homestay in Hanle, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Eat an early breakfast and travel out on an excursion to Umling La Pass, celebrated as one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Spend time taking in the high-altitude landscapes and photographing the sweeping vistas. Drive back down to Hanle by late afternoon or evening. Dinner will be served at your homestay, where you stay overnight.

Start early with breakfast and set out on the route towards Tso Moriri Lake. En route, make stops at Mahe Bridge and the Chumathang Hot Springs. Arrive at Tso Moriri, an untouched high-altitude lake ringed by stark mountain ranges. Spend a calm evening walking by the water's edge before having dinner and resting overnight at your hotel, guesthouse, or camp.

After breakfast, depart Tso Moriri and make your way towards Sarchu. Cross over Tanglang La Pass at an elevation of 5,328 metres. Reach the open, high-altitude desert plains of Sarchu later in the day. Settle into your camp or guesthouse, have dinner, and spend the night surrounded by mountain scenery.

Have breakfast and check out from Sarchu. Begin the road trip down towards Manali, crossing through Baralacha La Pass at 4,890 metres and Rohtang Pass at 3,978 metres. Arrive in Manali by late afternoon. Spend the evening exploring the local town at your leisure before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Start the day with breakfast. You can optionally explore Manali's local attractions if time permits. Later, depart for Delhi by Volvo bus on a 12-hour road journey, or take a flight from Bhuntar Airport. Arrive in Delhi where the tour concludes.