This immersive trek through Ladakh combines cultural discovery with high-altitude adventure. Starting in Leh, we explore ancient monasteries and acclimatize in the heart of Buddhist culture before crossing the dramatic Khardung La into the stunning Nubra Valley. From there, we begin a remote trek through hidden valleys, high passes, and shepherd camps, culminating in the crossing of Lasermo La (5,400 m), the highest point on the route. With chances to spot rare wildlife, visit centuries-old gompas, and camp in pristine alpine landscapes, this journey offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and challenge.
Day 1 - Arrive in Leh. guesthouse B& B. Free day
Day 2 - Leh. guesthouse B & B.Visit by car to nearby Shey Palace and Thiksey Gompa, both Buddhist monasteries
Day 3 - Leh. Guesthouse B &B. Acclimatization walk around Leh, including visits to Shanti Stupa andLeh Palace, along with other local sights.
Day 4 - Drive over Khardung La (5,375m) to Hundar in the Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery, then stop at the sand dunes for an acclimatization walk in the late afternoon or early evening, where you may spot the rare Bactrian camels. From the dunes, it’s a short drive to our accommodation in Hundar (3,020m).
Day 5 - Drive to Hundar Gompa; trek through a spectacular gorge to Wanchan
This morning, we drive 3 km to Hundar Gompa and begin our trek (5-6 hrs). We follow a wide 4×4 track into a narrow side valley, gradually gaining height through a dramatic gorge. After about 7 km, we reach a small shepherd camp offering some shade. The valley opens up slightly, and we camp near the village of Wachan (3,800m) where the valley splits.
Day 6 - Leaving the villages behind; continue ascending the valley to our wild camp at Snia Sumdo (4,200m).
Todayis a half day (3-4 hrs) as we begin to gain height. We start by taking the left-hand valley and climbing steadily to Dok Yokma, a small collection of houses and fields. This is the last village we see until Phyang. We can visit the small monastery and maybe stop in a local house for a cup of tea. The trail ascends down the valley all morning until we reach our campsite opposite the Snia Valley. In the afternoon, there is time to explore the hills and take in the spectacular scenery.
Day 7 - Surrounded by unnamed peaks, the trail climbs the Snia Valley; camp at Pullu (3,600m).
We cross a small stone bridge into the remote Snia Valley, following the trail upstream along its left side. Surrounded by unnamed peaks, the valley is inhabited only by summer shepherds and wildlife. Look out for marmots, foxes, wolves, and with luck, a snowleopard. (activity hours 4-4,5 hrs).We camp near the river before the next valley junction, with an optional afternoon walk toward a glacial lake.
Day 8 - Descend to the valley junction and ascend the Thanglasso Valley to Jingmoche
A descending start leads us to the intersection of Snia and Thanglasgo valleys. From here, we ascend gradually on the left side of the valley. The trail crosses rocky glacial moraine and green pastures. A picturesque walk for around 5 - 5,5 hrs brings us to our beautiful camp by the river at Jingmoche (14,795ft/4,510m), a popular location among shepherds who bring their sheep, yak and dzos for grazing.
Day 9 - Trek to the base of the Lasermo La (4,950).
We walk to the base of our next pass, Lasermo La, today. As we leave the campsite, we follow the river upstream walking amid a valley of pretty meadows with grazing yaks and dzos. An hour and a half from Jingmoche we pass the shepherd camp at Thanglasso. Continuing upthe valley we get higher and higher and we finally reach the campsite in the afternoon (6 – 6,5 hrs walk), set below the Lasermo Pass.
Day 10 - Acclimatisation walk to glacial lakes
We spend the day exploring the area around camp with various optional walks available (3-5 hrs). We can take a packed lunch and ascend the valley across from our camp up to a series of lakes. It is about 1.5 hours to the first small lake. It is about another45minutes to the second lake. We are now surrounded by unnamed and unclimbed peaks. We can either descend back to camp (4,950m) or there is a rocky trail which climbs to a third small glacial lake (16,700ft / 5,090m) if you’d like to explore further.
Day 11 - Cross the Lasermo La and descend to high camp (4,900m).
Today we cross the highest pass of the trek, Lasermo La (5,400 m / 17,715 ft), a challenging but rewarding day (7-9hrs walk). We start early from Nubra Valley, ascending gradually for 3–4 hours to the glacier base, where we put on microspikes for the final steep climb over glacial moraine. From the top, enjoy stunning views of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. The descent is steep at first, then eases toward our high camp at Morubuk, a small green pasture.
Day 12 - Descend via Phyang Sumdo toPhyang (4,000m).
An easy last day after the exertions of the pass (4hrs walk). We have an easy and wonderful walk down the valley today. We may have to cross the river several times as the trail goes from the left to the right hand side of the valley. Ahead the Stok range of mountains appears. Halfway we pass Phyang Sumdo and continue on down the valley until the large, spread out village of Phyang appears below us. Our camp tonight is on a grassy patch at the top of the village. We will reach camp by lunchtime and in the afternoon there is time to explore the village.
Day 13 - Visit Phyang monastery -drive to Leh
After breakfast we will drive to the Phyang monastery which towers above the valley. It is a one-hour drive back to Leh, arriving late morning.