Winter Road Expedition to Ladakh | Nubra, Turtuk & Pangong

After breakfast, set out to begin your Leh Ladakh winter road trip from sightseeing in Leh.

We’ll first visit Shanti Stupa, perched on a hilltop and known for its panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding snow-covered mountains.

Then, head to the Hall of Fame, an Indian Army museum that pays tribute to soldiers who served in Ladakh.

Explore its galleries featuring the Kargil War, military history and life in the region's challenging terrain.

Continue to Magnetic Hill, where the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes vehicles appear to roll uphill.

Stop at the designated viewpoint to experience the phenomenon.

Next, we’ll head to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine nestled among the mountains.

Spend some time offering prayers and exploring the peaceful premises.

We’ll make a stop at the Sangam viewpoint, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet.

Look out for the contrasting colours of the two rivers against the snowy winter landscape.

After a full day of sightseeing, get back to your hotel and have some rest.

You may explore Leh Market for local handicrafts, woollens, prayer flags and souvenirs at your own pace.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and get ready for another drive on your Leh Nubra Pangong winter trip.

Enjoy the drive towards Khardung La (5,359 m), one of Ladakh's highest motorable passes.

Witness the snow-covered slopes, mountain views and colourful prayer flags.

Continue towards Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Nubra Valley.

Its hilltop location offers sweeping views of the valley, while the famous 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue is one of its major attractions.

Later, we’ll drive further into Nubra Valley, known for its cold-desert landscape and the Shyok River flowing through the region.

If time and local conditions permit, visit the Hunder Sand Dunes for views of the unusual meeting of desert dunes and snow-dusted mountains.

You may also enjoy a camel ride across the dunes.

Check in to your stay and enjoy a tasty dinner after the mountain drive.

Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.

Wake up to the crisp winter air of Nubra Valley and have breakfast.

Get ready to set out for Turtuk, a village close to the India-Pakistan border (subject to road and weather conditions).

Enjoy the drive through the Shyok River valley, passing remote settlements and snowy mountain landscapes along the way.

Once in Turtuk, explore its traditional stone houses, narrow village lanes and distinctive Balti culture.

Walk through the old settlement and look out for traditional wooden balconies, stone pathways and local architecture.

Visit the wooden bridge over the Shyok River for photographs, and stop at the Shyok War Memorial, dedicated to Indian Army personnel who served in this challenging region, subject to access.

After exploring the village, begin your return drive to Nubra Valley.

Enjoy your dinner and an overnight stay in Nubra.

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast and then check out of your stay.

Then, begin your drive towards Pangong Tso via Chang La, subject to winter road accessibility.

Pass through scenic snow-covered mountains along the way.

On reaching Pangong Tso (approx. 4,350 m), take in the vast high-altitude lake views surrounded by barren mountains.

In winter, large sections of the lake can freeze, creating an entirely different landscape from its familiar summer-blue appearance.

Spend some time at the permitted lakeside viewpoints, capture the icy scenery and enjoy the stillness of the surroundings.

Check in to your camps and enjoy a warm dinner.

Overnight stay near Pangong Lake.

Wake up to the winter scenery around Pangong Lake and enjoy your breakfast.

Then check out and begin your return journey to Leh via Chang La (5,360 m).

Stop briefly at the pass, if accessible, to see its snow-covered slopes and mountain scenery.

Then, we’ll continue towards Leh, passing through Karu, a settlement along the route.

You will also pass the region of Thiksey Monastery, recognisable by its hilltop complex and monastery buildings.

Followed by Shey Palace, the former royal residence of Ladakh (subject to road and weather conditions).

Reach Leh by evening and check in to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

Wake up to your final morning in Leh and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Complete the check-out formalities and take your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Your Ladakh winter adventure comes to an end with memories of high mountain passes, cold-desert valleys, Turtuk's village lanes and Pangong's icy landscape.