Roads Less Taken – An Offbeat Ladakh Quest

Land in Leh and drive straight to Nimmu, a peaceful riverside village where the mountains breathe a little slower. This day is about doing nothing fast. Rest.

Sip on something warm. Let your body catch up with the altitude, and your thoughts quiet down to the rhythm of the river beside you. The stillness here isn’t empty—it’s healing.

Overnight in Nimmu.

Start the day with a rush—white-water rafting through the raw beauty of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. It’s wild, it’s cold, and it wakes you up in the best way.

Later, visit the monasteries of Alchi and Likir, places where time folds in on itself. Stop for a slow, soulful Ladakhi meal at Alchi Kitchen, where tradition meets taste. Wander through the ancient caves of Saspol, hidden in rocky cliffs and painted with stories over 800 years old.

Cross the strange wonder of Magnetic Hill, where gravity plays tricks, and end the day with a light and sound show at the Hall of Fame—a powerful reminder of the land and its spirit.

Return to Nimmu for the night.

Travel to Likir, a quiet village surrounded by pastures and prayerflags. Spend your day on a 6-hour trek to Sumdo, walking throughfarm trails, talking to villagers, and taking in views that stretchwide and wild.

In the afternoon, step into the world of traditionalLadakhi pottery with a hands-on workshop guided by a family whoonce made vessels for Ladakh’s royals.

Shape stories with yourhands. Later, sit down for a traditional Ladakhi meal—khambir,thukpa, momos, and a hot cup of butter tea that warms more thanjust your hands.

Overnight in Likir.

Start with a visit to the ancient Likir Monastery, quiet and rooted inthe 11th century, its golden Buddha watching the mountains forcenturies. Then take the road less travelled—Wari La, one ofLadakh’s highest passes.

It’s raw, rugged, and jaw-droppinglybeautiful. Peaks rise, prayer flags flutter, and silence stretches formiles.

Arrive in Nubra Valley, where deserts bloom at 10,000 feet.Visit the serene Sumur Gompa by evening.

Overnight in Nubra.

Begin your day with a hike to Ensa Monastery, perched quietlyabove the valley, echoing with chants and wind. Then head toMurgi, a village where 1,500-year-old petroglyphs lie hidden inplain sight.

Every rock here holds a story older than memory. Takea quiet walk to Yarab Tso, a crystal-clear lake tucked away fromthe world—a sacred place where stillness lingers longer.

Close theday at Diskit Monastery, and if you're up for it, ride a Bactriancamel through the soft golden light of the dunes. Or just stand still,and let the desert change color around you.

Overnight in Nubra.

Bid farewell to Nubra Valley and begin your journey back to Leh,crossing the legendary Khardung La Pass—at 5,359m, one of thehighest motorable roads in the world.

Pause here for sweepingviews of the Karakoram range, where the sky feels just withinreach. Descend slowly into Leh, where the pace softens oncemore.

If the skies are clear, step out later for a stargazingsession at a village nearby with stargazing experts. The starsover Leh always have one more story to tell.

Pick up souvenirs atthe Leh Market to take back home.

Overnight in Leh.

With memories of starry nights, towering mountains, and thequiet grace of ancient monasteries, it’s time to say goodbye.

Transfer to Leh Airport, the journey behind you but the spirit ofLadakh still lingering—etched into your breath, your stories, andyour sense of stillness.

Trip ends, but Ladakh stays with you.