Multi-day Expedition
Ladakh & Nubra Valley — Dunes, monasteries, and the world's highest motorable pass.
Overview
Begin at YOLO Outdoors in Jispa. Cross the high passes into Leh, spend time in one of the world's most extraordinary desert cities, then push north over Khardung La into Nubra Valley — where sand dunes sit under snow peaks and Bactrian camels roam the valley floor. Return via Pangong Tso and back through Manali-Leh Highway, ending at Jispa.
Day by Day
6–7 hrs drive. Cross Baralacha La (4,800m). Camp at Sarchu. Night sky at 14,000 ft.
8–9 hrs drive. Cross Gata Loops (21 hairpins), Lachulung La, Tanglang La (5,328m). Arrive Leh. Rest and acclimatize.
Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Collect Inner Line Permits.
Via Khardung La (5,359m) — 5–6 hrs. Check in at Hunder or Diskit. Evening: camel safari on white sand dunes.
Diskit Monastery (32m Buddha statue), Panamik hot springs, Sumur monastery.
Via Shyok Valley — 5–6 hrs. Arrive at the lake by evening. Pangong at sunset is something you will carry with you.
Morning photography (lake changes color with light). Drive back to Leh via Chang La, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Gompa.
8–9 hrs drive via Manali-Leh Highway.
3–4 hrs. Return to your dome. Riverside rest.
For acclimatization, weather, or a leisure day at Jispa.
Key Highlights
Be Prepared
Mid-June to September. July–August can see brief monsoon showers but the Ladakh high-desert stays largely dry. Road opens fully by June 15 most years.