Ladakh in Winter: Sham Valley, Nubra & the Icy Pangong Trail

After breakfast, head out to explore Leh and Sham Valley region, known for its striking winter landscapes and mountain views.

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 begin your Nubra Valley tour from Leh.

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.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Set out for a day excursion to Turtuk (subject to road and weather conditions), one of the northernmost villages accessible to visitors in India.

Enjoy the 3-5 hour drive passing through the winter landscapes of Nubra Valley towards this village near the India-Pakistan border.

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

If local conditions permit, visit the village viewpoints and learn about its history and culture.

Spend some time exploring at your own pace before driving back to Nubra Valley.

Enjoy your dinner and an overnight stay in Nubra Valley.

Start early after breakfast and drive from Nubra towards Pangong Tso.

We’ll cross the high-altitude Chang La Pass at approximately 5,360 metres with freezing winds and snow-covered slopes.

Pause briefly at the pass for photographs, if weather and road conditions permit.

Descend through the mountain roads towards the villages of Durbuk and Tangtse before reaching the spectacular shores of Pangong Tso.

During peak winter, much of the lake may be frozen, creating a vast icy landscape surrounded by rugged, snow-dusted mountains.

Spend some time at the designated lakeside viewpoints, capturing the winter scenery.

Avoid walking onto the frozen lake, as ice thickness and stability can vary.

After sightseeing, begin the return drive to Leh via Chang La, allowing sufficient time for the journey before dark.

Reach Leh by evening and rest after the long day on the road.

Dinner and an overnight stay in Leh.

After a filling breakfast, check out from your hotel.

Our representative will transfer you to Leh Airport for your onward flight.

Take home memories of your Leh Ladakh winter tour with high passes, Nubra's landscapes, Turtuk's village life and the changing colours of Pangong Lake.