Self-driving tour in Himalayas

Chandigarh. Our representative will meet and greet the group at the airport and will assist with the hotel transfers. Today the day is free to relax and enjoy the city. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be organized, and briefing will be given about the expedition and driving rules. Overnight in Chandigarh.

Manali. We will start driving early in the morning from Chandigarh to reach Manali by late evening. The first half of the drive is through highways and the small town. Post lunch as we proceed towards mountains the drive is superbly scenic as lush green mountains present a welcome sight once.

We would halt for lunch during the daytime, followed by another quick halt for tea and refreshments later. On arrival at Manali, check-in to the hotel and relax as the first day of this inspiring journey culminates. The upcoming days are going to be challenging as we make our way past numerous mountain tops that promise a vision of unparalleled beauty. Overnight in Manali.

Manali - Jispa (165 Km). After a long and exhausting drive the previous day, wake up at leisure in the lap of nature and enjoy breakfast and lunch in the resort. Post lunch, we will start the drive and head towards Jispa. En route, we will cross the world famous Atal Tunnel, at a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. On the way, stopover at Keylong Village from where you can view the awe-inspiring Bara-Shigri Glacier in all its splendour and continue our onward journey to Jispa, after a quick stop for refuelling at Tandi, the last fuel pump before we reach Ladakh! Grab a sumptuous dinner on arrival, as we bid goodbye to the third day of this trip.

Overnight in Jispa.

Jispa (Rest Day). Waking up to the views of the majestic mountain peaks and mist-laden surroundings will make you never want to leave this quaint village. We use this day to explore the picturesque village of Jispa while allowing our bodies to acclimatize and prepare for the steep climb ahead of us. The process of acclimatization can be accelerated by consuming lots of water which helps in keeping altitude mountain sickness at bay. Located along the Bhaga River, Jispa comes dotted with several Buddhist stupas which make for a pretty sight indeed. Take your vehicles for a spin at the banks of the river as we enjoy lunch in the lap of nature. Later, we return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night amongst gloriously verdant mountains encircling us.

Overnight in Jispa.

Jispa - Leh (350 km). The sun rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting days of the journey so far. Today, we would be ticking quite a bit off our bucket list. We leave Jispa early in the morning and drive through Zingzingbar to reach Baralacha La, situated at 16040 ft above sea level. Take in the rugged gorgeousness of the Himalayas as the road leads you towards Sarchu - the border area connecting Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region. From here, we drive and cross the daunting Gata Loops which is a site famous for its 21 hairpin bends. The topography is rocky, the air is crisp, and the locals here are friendly and simple folk. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Leh by late evening.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh (Rest Day). A well-deserved break is what awaits you, as we use this day to explore Leh and immerse ourselves in the local culture. Kickstart your day by visiting Leh Palace. Also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, it was built by King Sengge Namgyal during the 1500s and completed by the 17th century. Its facade resembles that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Leh Palace's roof offers amazing views of the Ladakh region and the Stok Kangri. We will also visit Shanti Stupa, a chorten situated on a hilltop which affords a remarkable bird’s eye view of the Leh town. Post the sightseeing, feel free to take a stroll through the local market and experience the vibe of this lively city.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh to Nubra via Khardung La (130 km). A new day offers new scope for adventure! Start your day driving towards Nubra Valley situated to the north of Leh. This deep-cut marvel of nature abounds with incredible views as far as the eye can see. We would be driving across one of the World’s Highest Motorable Passes, Khardung La. Not for the faint-hearted, this pass is situated approximately at an elevation of 18300 ft above sea level. After crossing the pass, we will reach the Khardung Village, followed by a lunch halt at Khalser. Further ahead, we cross Diskit and reach Hunder Village which lies on the ancient Silk Route and is famous for its sweeping sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian Camels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and allow the stunning setting to captivate your senses.

Overnight in Nubra Valley.

Nubra (Rest Day). Today is the day to let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of unspoilt nature. An oasis of green surrounded by mighty mountains that sport every shade of brown, the deep Nubra Valley is nature's dramatic encore. Go ahead and explore the valley through a safari on the double-humped Bactrian Camels, or a thrilling ATV ride. Lying about 150 km from the town of Leh, the valley is perched at the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers. The valley is also home to the famous pashmina goat. Post lunch, we head back to the campsite to spend the rest of the day at leisure. A delectable dinner will be then followed by a night of rest amidst the fabulous backdrop that will revitalize you completely.

Overnight in Nubra Valley.

Nubra – Pangong – Leh (320 km). The day is finally upon us when we get the opportunity to visit the memorable site where an unbelievably pristine body of water lies unperturbed in stark contrast to surrounding mountains. Situated roughly at 14270 ft, Pangong Tso is a sight to behold! This charming, endorheic lake is approximately 135 km long and extends from India to Tibet. We will make an early start as it’s a long day of driving. We will proceed towards the Pangong Leh and on return we will drive to Leh crossing Chang La, the second highest mountain pass in the world. On arrival in Leh, we will have dinner at the hotel and retire for the day.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh. A well-deserved break is what awaits you, after a long drive the previous day. The day can be free to be on our own and enjoy the day or else we can plan a visit to the beautiful Thiksey Monastery. Located to the North of the Indus River on a hilltop, less than 20km from Leh town, Thiksey Monastery built in 1430 AD belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. Lakhang Nyerma, a Temple dedicated to Goddess Dorje Chenmo is within the Thiksey monastery.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh - Kargil (230 km). Tuck in a splendid breakfast; get ready to leave for Kargil today. We will make a stop to visit the Hall of Fame - a museum built and run by the Indian Army. We will also visit Pathar Sahib Gurudwara which dates back to 1517, and marks the visit of Shree Guru Nanak Dev to Ladakh. Next up is the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where one can switch off the ignition and still move uphill. While driving in the region, we will bear witness to the unearthly looking landscape and the extraordinary site of Sangam, where the different colored waters of Zanskar and Indus Rivers congregate, is unmissable. We halt for lunch at the Mulbekh Village and settle into our comfy hotel upon finally reaching Kargil.

Overnight in Kargil.

Kargil - Srinagar (220 km). We leave for Srinagar this morning after breakfast, crossing the famed Zoji La (11575 ft). We will pass Dras, situated at the height of 10990 ft above sea level and the 2nd coldest inhabited village in the world popularly known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, its stark beauty is mysteriously alluring. Intensely beautiful, challenging and numbingly cold, this Himalayan getaway is like none other. Relish the superb views of the renowned Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 (Batra Top) from the Kargil War Memorial, where we pause to pay our humble homage to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for our safety. Upon arrival to the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in Srinagar.

Srinagar (Rest Day. Today you are free to spend the day as per your liking. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples and spectacular Mughal-era gardens, the city has inspired poets through centuries. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated in the heart of the Kashmir Valley with the Nagin and the Dal Lake adding to its beauty. Indulge in a Shikara ride at the celebrated Dal Lake or visit the exquisitely romantic Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden. Originally named ‘Farah Baksh’, Shalimar Bagh was built in the year 1619 by Emperor Jehangir for his cherished Queen Nur Jehan. Apart from sightseeing, don’t forget to sample the charms of flavorful Kashmiri cuisine, apples and walnuts that this city has to offer.

Overnight in Srinagar.

Departure. “Travel! As much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place.” The last day of the expedition is here, and it’s time to head back to Delhi or your chosen destination. We are certain you cannot fathom how swiftly the past two weeks went by. All good things are destined to come to an end, and so is this journey. Bid adieu to the team and your mates with whom you have now created some great memories, full of thrill and adventure. But not all farewells have to be lasting, and we promise to lend our hand again when you seek to explore another fascinating part of this world.