Kashmir To Ladakh | Our Complete Traverse

Arrive in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, set amidst the Himalayan foothills. Known for its houseboats, gardens, and lakes, Srinagar offers a calm introduction to your journey. You may take a gentle stroll along Dal Lake or rest in a traditional shikara boat. Spend the day acclimating, soaking in local Kashmiri hospitality, and preparing for the scenic adventure ahead.

• Drive Distance: Local transfers only
• Drive Duration: 30–60 mins
  

Begin your exploration of Srinagar with a visit to the Mughal Gardens—Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi—lined with fountains, terraces, and flowerbeds. These gardens overlook Dal Lake, enhancing their beauty. Later, visit Hazratbal Shrine, revered by many and beautifully positioned beside the lake.

In the evening, enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake, offering panoramic views of the Zabarwan Range and floating gardens. You may also explore the old city’s heritage architecture and vibrant bazaars.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 30–40 km
• Drive Duration: 2–3 hours

Drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam, known as the Valley of Shepherds. The road winds through saffron fields, apple orchards, and the Lidder River, creating a picturesque setting. Upon arrival, explore Betaab Valley and Aru Valley, both famous for their pristine meadows and cinematic beauty.

You can choose to ride ponies, hike short trails, or simply relax by the riverside. Pahalgam is peaceful and offers a soothing contrast to the busy city atmosphere of Srinagar.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 90 km
• Drive Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours

Travel to Gulmarg, a premier hill station and skiing destination in India. Set in pine forests and rolling meadows, Gulmarg is home to the world’s second-highest operating cable car—the Gulmarg Gondola—which offers sweeping views of snow-covered peaks.

You can explore Khilanmarg or indulge in seasonal activities like skiing, snowboarding, or meadow walks. With a rich mix of adventure and alpine charm, Gulmarg is a visual and recreational delight.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 140 km
• Drive Duration: 4–5 hours

Drive through pine-covered valleys and clear streams en route to Sonmarg, aptly named the Meadow of Gold. Nestled at 8,900 ft, it is a base for several treks and glacier excursions. Visit Thajiwas Glacier, accessible by a short trek or pony ride, and enjoy views of snow-capped peaks.

The Sindh River running through the valley adds to the picturesque setting. Sonmarg is a favorite for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 125 km
• Drive Duration: 3–4 hours

Leave Sonmarg and enter Ladakh via the Zoji La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes. The first stop is Drass, known as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Visit the Kargil War Memorial in Drass to honor the soldiers of the 1999 conflict.

Continue driving to Kargil, a bustling town by the Suru River, offering stunning views and warm hospitality. This is your gateway to Ladakh’s deeper, more remote terrain.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 125 km
• Drive Duration: 5–6 hours

Travel into the remote Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa people—an ethnic group with distinct traditions, language, and appearance. Located along the Indus River, the villages of Dha and Hanu are surrounded by apricot orchards and terraced fields.

Meet local families, observe their customs, and learn about their ancestral Indo-Aryan heritage. The setting is serene and untouched, offering an offbeat and enriching cultural experience within the Himalayan wilderness.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 90 km
• Drive Duration: 3–4 hours

Begin a long, scenic journey toward Padum, the capital of Zanskar Valley. This isolated region is accessible by adventurous routes crossing Sirsir La and Singge La passes. The drive passes stark mountains, river gorges, and high-altitude plateaus.

Arrive in Padum by evening and check into a guesthouse. The remoteness and beauty of Zanskar make it one of the most peaceful regions of Ladakh, ideal for meditation, trekking, and cultural immersion.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 230–250 km
• Drive Duration: 8–10 hours

Explore the spiritual and scenic attractions of Padum and its surroundings. Visit Karsha Monastery, Zanskar’s largest, perched dramatically on a hill. Then explore Stongdey Monastery, offering stunning views of the valley.

The region’s Buddhist culture, unspoiled terrain, and warm hospitality are unmatched. You can also walk through traditional Zanskari villages, witnessing daily life that remains largely untouched by modernity.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 50–60 km
• Drive Duration: 2–3 hours

Take a full-day trip to Phuktal Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most remote and remarkable monastic complexes. Built into a cliff face and reachable by trek or 4×4 route (in dry seasons), it appears to emerge from a cave and overlooks the Lungnak River.

Spend time with the monks and absorb the tranquility. The setting is dramatic and spiritual, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who makes the journey.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 90–100 km (round trip)
• Drive Duration: 5–6 hours (plus trek if applicable)

Embark on a rugged journey from Zanskar to Leh via Lingshed, crossing multiple passes and traversing deep valleys. This road is less traveled and incredibly scenic. Stop at Lingshed Monastery, an isolated spiritual site surrounded by barren mountains.

By evening, reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. After several days in remote regions, Leh’s relative bustle, comforts, and amenities provide a welcome transition.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 250–270 km
• Drive Duration: 9–10 hours

Explore the spiritual and architectural heart of Ladakh. Visit Thiksey Monastery, a massive gompa with a 2-storey statue of Maitreya Buddha, followed by Shey Palace and Stok Palace Museum. Later, ascend to Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of Leh and the mountains.

The day ends with time in Leh’s main bazaar, perfect for buying local handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and Tibetan artifacts. It’s a blend of history, faith, and local life.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 50–60 km
• Drive Duration: 2–3 hours

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. The route offers striking views of snow-covered mountains and deep valleys. On arrival, visit Diskit Monastery, home to a towering Maitreya Buddha overlooking the valley.

Explore the Hunder Sand Dunes, a cold desert where you can ride rare double-humped Bactrian camels. The landscape is a surreal mix of mountains, rivers, and sand—truly unique to Ladakh.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 125 km
• Drive Duration: 5–6 hours

From Nubra, take a scenic drive to Turtuk, a remote village near the India-Pakistan border. Turtuk was part of Pakistan until 1971 and has a unique Balti culture, language, and architecture. Walk through narrow alleys, visit traditional homes, and learn about the village’s rich history.

Surrounded by lush greenery, apricot orchards, and dramatic peaks, Turtuk feels worlds apart from the stark Ladakhi landscape. Return to Nubra by evening.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 180 km (round trip)
• Drive Duration: 6–7 hours

Drive from Nubra to Pangong Lake via the Shyok River route, a rugged yet breathtaking trail through high-altitude desert. The journey offers dramatic mountain views and river crossings. Pangong, at over 14,000 ft, is famed for its color-changing waters and cinematic beauty.

Walk along the shoreline, take photos, and soak in the silence. Stay at a camp near the lake to enjoy stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the world.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 200 km
• Drive Duration: 7–8 hours

Depart Pangong and drive to the lesser-visited Tsomoriri Lake, located in the Changthang Plateau. The road crosses remote valleys, passes nomadic camps, and offers excellent wildlife spotting—especially the rare black-necked crane.

Tsomoriri is quieter than Pangong but equally beautiful, surrounded by barren hills and reflecting blue skies. The lake is sacred to locals and home to migratory birds. Spend the night near the lake in a basic camp or eco-lodge.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 220 km
• Drive Duration: 7–8 hours

Return to Leh from Tsomoriri, passing through Tso Kar Lake and crossing the Tanglang La Pass. The journey provides one last dose of Ladakh’s raw, untouched beauty—salt flats, marshlands, high passes, and open plateaus.

You’ll descend back into the Indus Valley, arriving in Leh by afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting a local café. After covering remote corners of Ladakh, this return feels both restful and rewarding.

• Drive Distance: Approx. 220 km
• Drive Duration: 6–7 hours

Conclude your Ladakh expedition with a departure from Leh. Whether flying out or continuing your journey elsewhere, use this day to pack, unwind, and reflect. With memories of high-altitude lakes, dramatic roads, ancient monasteries, and rare cultural encounters, you leave with a transformed sense of space and time.

This day is intentionally kept open and relaxed to allow for any unexpected delays or last-minute errands before you bid farewell to the Himalayas.

• Drive Distance: Local transfer only
• Drive Duration: 30–60 mins