Ladakh on Wheels Extreme

Day 1: ARRIVAL AT MANALI
Arrive at Manali. After a meet and greet Check in to the hotel. Take some rest and fresh up. In the evening registration and briefing for the LADAKH ON WHEELS Expedition. Relaxed and overnight stay.

Day 2: MANALI - JISPA
Distance- 93 Kms
Duration- 3 Hrs
Highlights- Solang Valley, Atul Tunnel, Lahaul Valley
After breakfast, we will start the journey towards Jispa crossing Atal tunnel. Atal Tunnel is a Newly built highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass. After crossing Tunnel, the landscape changes drastically as we enter the Lahaul and Spiti District. The lush green grasslands disappear and the barren slopes of the cold desert take over. We continue the ride towards Jispa crossing the quaint mountain towns of Sissu and Keylong. Arrive at the destination early in the evening and have an adventurous overnight stay in Camps / Hotel.

Day 3: JISPA - PADUM
Distance- 152 Kms
Duration- 7 Hrs
Highlights- Shinku La Pass
We'll start our journey towards Zanskar after having breakfast, using the newly built road. The path leading to Shinku La Pass is an off-road track, which would provide a thrilling experience for off-road enthusiasts who would be driving all the way to Padum via Shinku La. Once we reach Shinku La, we can take some photographs with the magnificent Gumbo Ranjan (Mahakal) mountain and cross the river, among other activities. We'll spend the night in Padum.

Day 4: PADUM, ZANSKAR VALLEY LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
Highlights: Phuktal Monastery, Local Market Visit, Lake
Padum, the sole town and administrative hub in Zanskar, derives its name from Padmasambhava, an eminent Buddhist master who lived in the 8th century. Situated at an altitude of 3,657 meters (11,998 feet), Padum is positioned at the heart of the tri-armed Zanskar valley. After breakfast, visitors can embark on a local sightseeing drive to explore monasteries and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Sani Lake, followed by a visit to the market. In the evening, visitors can enjoy leisure time in Padum.

Day 5: Padum - Leh
Distance- 305 Kms
Duration- 10 Hours
Highlights: Shingo La Pass, Photoskar Village, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
Today, we have a considerable distance to cover, and as a result, we will commence our journey early. Our route will take us through various points of interest, including the Strongday village to your right. Along the way, you will be treated to awe-inspiring landscapes, including the Shingo La pass, which stands at an altitude of 16,720 ft. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of photo opportunities along the way. The Zanskar roads present challenges to even the most skilled riders, so it is crucial to approach corners cautiously and stay within your abilities. Once we cross the Shingo La pass, we will arrive at the village of Photoskar. After traveling for some distance, our riders will join NH1, with Magnetic Hill on the way. Please take a moment to visit the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and offer a prayer. Finally, after a long journey, we will arrive at Leh, where we will spend the night.

Day 6: LEH
Highlights - Leh Market , Shanti Stupa , Leh Palace
Replenish your energies with a healthy breakfast and enjoy a relaxing day in Leh. The first half of the day is saved for a regular check-up of the cars and the rest of the day can be spent visiting a few sightseeing places in and around the city. Stop by the Leh Palace and enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the Stok Kangri mountain range from the terrace. You may also choose to visit the Shanti Stupa and the local market to indulge in some shopping and try out the Ladakhi cuisine at the local eateries. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 7: LEH - NUBRA VALLEY
Distance- 160 Kms
Duration- 5 Hrs
Highlights- Khardung La, Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley
The Leh to Nubra Valley drive is a popular tourist route in Ladakh, India. The road trip is approximately 160 kilometers long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on the road conditions and traffic. The journey begins in Leh, the largest town in Ladakh, which is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The road winds its way through the scenic Khardung La pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at an altitude of 5,359 meters.From Khardung La, the road descends into the picturesque Nubra Valley, which is known for its sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and ancient monasteries. The valley is located at an average altitude of 3,048 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, there are several small villages and towns where you can stop for refreshments or to take in the local culture. Some of the notable attractions in the area include the Diskit Monastery, which houses a 32-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, and the Hunder Sand Dunes, where you can take a camel ride. Overall, the Leh to Nubra Valley drive is a scenic and adventurous journey that offers a unique glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Himalayan region.

Day 8: NUBRA - TURTUK - NUBRA
Distance- 332 Kms
Duration- 10 Hrs
Highlights- Turtuk Village
After enjoying a delectable breakfast, set out on a ride towards the charming village of Turtuk. This village serves as the final frontier in India before entering the Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan, and is one of the main gateways to the Siachen Glacier. Turtuk offers a unique cultural, linguistic, and historical experience that differs from what you may have encountered during your Ladakh trip, as it is part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The landscape is also markedly different, with narrow valleys and steep mountains that contrast with the scenery of Central Ladakh and Nubra. Additionally, Turtuk enjoys a lower altitude than Leh, resulting in lush green pastures that yield fresh produce such as apricots and apples. Later, return to the campsite for a hearty dinner and spend the night in comfortable camps at Nubra Valley.

Day 9: NUBRA - PANGONG
Distance- 278 Kms
Duration- 8 Hrs
Highlights- Pangong Lake
As the morning light starts to filter through, we prepare ourselves for an exciting journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, which adds a stunning charm to Leh. En route, we will pass by the picturesque Shyaok Village, and take in the breathtaking views of the glistening shores of the world's highest saltwater lake. The tranquil blue hues of the lake will leave you spellbound, and you'll have ample opportunities to capture some stunning photographs. As the day winds down, we'll gather around a cozy bonfire to soak in some warmth and make unforgettable memories. We've arranged for an overnight stay amidst the serene beauty of nature to ensure that you have a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

Day 10: PANGONG LAKE - HANLE
Distance- 313 Kms
Duration 9 Hours
Highlights- Astronomical Observatory, Merek Village
Today is all about traversing the distance from Pangong to Hanle, an off-beat route. We will ride from Pangong to Hanle after breakfast, and even the air will say that you have come a long way. The immaculate waters of Pangong Lake will still be part of our journey – pegged to leave us spellbound as we ride alongside its shore. We will cross Merek Village and then Chushul. Riding further on the Loma Bridge, we will move towards Hanle – a beauty – including historic village that hosts the highest astronomical observatory in the world. Not to mention, this ravishing place is one of the restricted areas in Ladakh – open to only domestic tourists with permits. We will check in to the hotel and give in to the comfort of a modest but cozy stay.

Day 11: HANLE – UMING LA PASS - HANLE
Distance- 210 Kms
Duration- 6 Hours
Highlights: Uming La Pass(19,300 Ft) 
Today promises to be an unforgettable day. Prepare yourself to embark on an exhilarating gospel ride as we journey through one of the world's highest motorable passes - Umling La Pass (19300 Ft), which will leave a lasting impact on your soul. You'll witness the unmatched sensation of being on top of the world's highest motorable pass. Later in the evening, we'll return to Hanle and spend the night there.

Day 12: HANLE - JISPA
Distance- 491 Kms
Duration- 11 Hrs
Highlights- Naki La Pass, Lachung La Pass Baralacha La Pass, More Plains, Gata Loops
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a thrilling and exhilarating ride towards Jispa. This leg of the journey promises to be a memorable one, as you traverse through the Naki la (15,647 ft) and Lachung la (16,616 ft) passes, navigate the famed More plains, Gata Loops and Baralacha La Pass (15,912 Ft). This route offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, ranging from rugged mountain terrain to vast open plains, making for an awe-inspiring experience. As the day draws to a close, you'll arrive at Jispa, where you'll be spending the night at a hotel. This presents an ideal opportunity to reflect on the memories and experiences gained thus far during the trip.

Day 13: DEPARTURE DAY
In the morning, wake up and have breakfast. Following that, check out of the hotel. You can either freely explore Manali on your own or drive back to Delhi.