Offbeat Ladakh Car Safari (8 Days) | Eastern Ladakh & Changthang Nomadic Valley

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,500 ft) – Hotel Transfer & Acclimatization

Arrive at Leh airport (approx. 11,500 ft) and transfer to your hotel. Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Rest completely for 5–6 hours. In the early evening, take a gentle walk to Leh Market. After about 1 hour, return to the hotel and rest.

Day 2: Leh Sightseeing – Namgyal Tsemo, Spituk, Museum, SECMOL & Phyang

After breakfast, begin a day of sightseeing around Leh. Visit Namgyal Tsemo for panoramic views. Continue to Spituk Monastery, which offers a quiet experience and wonderful views of the Indus Valley. Then visit the Central Asian Museum.

Enjoy lunch at a nice restaurant in the market area. After lunch, drive to the SECMOL campus and then visit Phyang Monastery—one of the beautiful, lesser-crowded monasteries in the region. In the evening, return to your hotel in Leh.

Day 3: Leh to Hanle (Approx. 250 km / 5–6 hrs) via Rong & Chumatgang Hot Spring

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, drive toward Hanle (approx. 250 km, 5–6 hours). En route, travel via Rong and stop at Chumatgang Hot Spring. Have lunch at Chumatgang and, if time permits, enjoy the hot spring.

Hanle is famous for stargazing and nomadic life. It is one of the largest border villages near the Chinese border and is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, which hosts one of the world’s highest optical telescopes. The clear, cloudless night skies offer an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanle.

Day 4: Hanle to Damchok (Approx. 100 km / 3 hrs) – Hot Spring, Lhari Karpo & Changthang Wildlife

Drive from Hanle to Damchok (approx. 100 km, around 3 hours). The hot spring of Damchok is very famous. Visit the sacred mountain Lhari Karpo (the “Mini Kailash”). Damchok is the last village on the Indian side, and you can see the Chinese Army camp across the other side.

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Changthang Valley. The Hanle area is also known for wildlife such as Pallas’s cat, Tibetan gazelle, and black-necked crane.

Overnight stay in a homestay in Damchok.

Day 5: Damchok to Tso Moriri (Approx. 170 km / 3–4 hrs) via Chumur & Lumling La (19,024 ft)

Drive from Damchok to Tso Moriri via Chumur and cross Lumling La (19,024 ft). The drive is approximately 170 km and takes around 3–4 hours, with very beautiful scenery throughout.

Day 6: Tso Moriri – Wildlife & Mantok Khangri Base Hike (8–10 km / 4–5 hrs)

Spend the day around Tso Moriri. The lake area is known for migratory birds and wildlife such as Tibetan wild ass, high-altitude marmot, Tibetan wolf, and the world’s largest wild sheep, the argali.

Later, enjoy a full-day hike of about 8–10 km (approx. 4–5 hours) up to the base of Mantok Khangri (around 4,800 m). This is a lovely hike and a wonderful way to experience the serene high-altitude landscape and the surroundings of Tso Moriri—far from the Pangong crowds.

Overnight stay in camps, a resort, or a homestay in Karzok village.

Day 7: Tso Moriri to Leh (Approx. 250 km / 5–6 hrs) via Puga Valley, Tso Kar & Taklang Pass

Drive back to Leh (approx. 250 km, 5–6 hours). En route, visit the beautiful Puga Valley and Tso Kar Lake, then continue to Leh via Taklang Pass. Arrive back in Leh in the evening and relax at your hotel.

Day 8: Departure – Transfer to Leh Airport

Transfer to Leh airport for your departure, taking with you lovely memories of a truly offbeat Ladakhi adventure.

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