
Ladakh Trip
This 15-day Chandigarh to Ladakh trip is designed for adventure lovers who want to explore the majestic landscapes of Himachal and Ladakh. The journey covers Manali, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, Lamayuru, and Kargil, ensuring a mix of popular and offbeat experiences. Starting from Chandigarh, this route gradually ascends, giving enough time for acclimatization before reaching the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.
15 Days Chandigarh to Ladakh Trip – Itinerary Description
This 15-day adventure road trip from Chandigarh to Ladakh is a perfect mix of scenic drives, cultural experiences, and offbeat exploration. The journey begins from the plains of Chandigarh and gradually takes you through the lush valleys of Himachal into the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh.
The first leg of the trip covers Chandigarh to Manali, where you enjoy the Himalayan foothills, apple orchards, and Manali’s charming old town. After spending a day exploring local sights, the adventure continues across Rohtang Pass and Lahaul Valley, reaching Jispa – the gateway to Ladakh. The long drive from Jispa to Leh is filled with dramatic mountain passes like Baralacha La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La, making it one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas.
In Leh, you spend time acclimatizing while exploring Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, monasteries, and Sham Valley with its unique Moonland landscapes. The journey then takes you over the legendary Khardung La Pass into Nubra Valley, known for its double-humped camels and Diskit Monastery. From Nubra, you make an excursion to Turtuk, a remote border village rich in Balti culture and apricot orchards.
The adventure continues as you head to the turquoise waters of Pangong Lake, famous for its changing colors. Instead of returning the same way, the trip takes an offbeat route to Hanle, home to the world’s highest observatory and one of the best stargazing spots in India. From Hanle, you travel across the remote Changthang Plateau to reach Tso Moriri Lake, a hidden jewel surrounded by snow-capped peaks and nomadic villages. On the way back to Leh, you also visit Tso Kar Lake, known for its salt flats and migratory birds.
The last stretch of the journey retraces the Manali–Leh Highway, halting at Sarchu before crossing high passes again to descend into the green valleys of Himachal. The trip concludes at Chandigarh, completing an unforgettable circuit through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Drive through Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu valley.
Evening free to relax in Manali.
Overnight stay in Manali.
Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, Tibetan Monastery.
Evening at Old Manali cafés.
Overnight stay in Manali.
Stop at Sissu waterfall, Keylong.
Overnight stay in Jispa.
Cross Atal Tunnel into Lahaul Valley.
Cross Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La, Gata Loops.
Reach Leh by evening.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh Market, Hall of Fame Museum.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Cross Khardung La (18,380 ft).
Explore Diskit Monastery & Hunder Sand Dunes (camel safari).
Overnight stay in Nubra (Hunder/ Diskit).
Excursion to Turtuk Village (last Indian village near LOC, famous for apricots & Balti culture).
Return to Nubra for overnight stay.
Drive via Shyok River road.
Reach Pangong Lake (14,270 ft) – turquoise blue lake.
Overnight in lakeside camps.
Scenic drive via Chushul & Mahe Bridge.
Reach Tso Moriri Lake (15,000 ft) – peaceful & less crowded.
Overnight stay in Korzok village.
Drive on Leh–Srinagar Highway.
Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Fotu La, Mulbekh Monastery.
Overnight stay in Kargil.
Visit Drass War Memorial.
Cross Zoji La Pass, Sonmarg.
Evening arrival in Srinagar.
Overnight stay in houseboat on Dal Lake
Explore Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Nishat Bagh, Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
Overnight in Srinagar.
Option 1: Fly from Srinagar → Chandigarh/Delhi.
Option 2: Road transfer (long journey, 2 days by road).
Trip ends with memories
Includes
Includes
- Pickup from Chandigarh, drop at Srinagar/Chandigarh/Delhi
- Private taxi (Dzire/Innova/Crysta/Tempo Traveller)
- 14 nights accommodation (hotels + camps + houseboat)
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- Driver allowance, tolls, parking, fuel
- Inner line permits assistance
Excludes
- Airfare/train tickets
- Rohtang Pass permit charges (if required)
- Adventure sports (rafting, camel safari, ATV rides)
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, laundry)
- Lunch & beverages
FAQs
👉 Yes, with proper acclimatization and avoiding long exposure to cold/high altitude.
👉 Yes, Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri (arranged in Leh).
👉 Not compulsory, but recommended for elderly/altitude-sensitive travelers.
Yes, itinerary can be customized to Srinagar → Leh → Manali → Chandigarh.