Our 21-day Great Himalayan Road Trip begins today as we leave the plains behind and drive towards the Himalayan hill town of Shimla. Travel in a comfortable vehicle as we slowly make our way into the mountains, marking the start of this long and memorable journey across Kinnaur, Spiti, Zanskar, and Ladakh. Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a charming blend of a hill town and holiday retreat. With its old-world character, narrow lanes, colonial-era buildings, and lively bazaars, the town still carries the charm of the British era. The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla takes around four hours, and this gradual ascent helps the body adjust to the altitude before we continue deeper into the high Himalayas in the coming days. We recommend spending the night in Shimla / Narkanda to allow proper acclimatisation before the journey towards the higher regions begins. Since no sightseeing is scheduled for today, you can relax at the hotel after the drive or explore the town at your own pace. This is only the beginning of a long Himalayan expedition, with some of the most scenic roads and remote valleys still waiting ahead. Overnight stay in a hotel in Shimla / Narkanda.

We continue our Great Himalayan Road Trip today from Shimla / Narkanda, starting the journey towards the higher Himalayas as we drive to Sangla in the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. This part of the journey takes us along one of the most scenic mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh and marks our gradual entry into the deeper Himalayan region. As we move further into the mountains, the road follows the Baspa River, flowing through forested slopes, wooden houses, and small Himalayan villages. This picturesque stretch of the Sangla Valley is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, making it one of the most pleasant drives of the entire trip. Sangla is famous for its agriculture, and during the season almost every house in the village is surrounded by fields of apples, pears, walnuts, apricots, and potatoes. With mountains on all sides and the river flowing through the valley, Sangla offers a calm and refreshing halt before we continue towards the higher altitude regions of Kinnaur, Spiti, and beyond in the coming days. Overnight stay in camps / hotel in Sangla.

On the third day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we start the morning in Sangla and drive towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. The short drive from Sangla to Chitkul is one of the most scenic routes in Kinnaur Valley, with the road running alongside the Baspa River and surrounded by tall mountains and wooden village houses. Chitkul is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Himachal Pradesh. You can take a walk along the Baspa River, explore the village lanes, and visit the temple of Mathi Goddess, the local deity worshipped by the villagers. The peaceful surroundings and open mountain views make this stop one of the highlights of the journey. After spending some time in Chitkul, we drive back towards Reckong Peo and continue to Kalpa, a quiet Himalayan village known for its breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range. According to local legends, Kalpa was once believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva, and the sight of the Kinner Kailash and Jorkanden peaks rising high above the village makes the place feel truly special. Overnight stay in a hotel in Kalpa.

On the fourth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we continue our journey from Kalpa along the famous Hindustan–Tibet Highway (NH-22), one of the most scenic and adventurous mountain roads in the Himalayas. This stretch is known for its dramatic landscapes, narrow cliff-side roads, and ever-changing mountain views, making it one of the most memorable drives of the entire journey. Our experienced local drivers ensure a safe and comfortable ride as we move deeper into the high Himalayas. As we travel ahead, the scenery slowly changes from the green mountains of Kinnaur Valley to the dry and rugged terrain that marks the beginning of the Spiti region. After a short halt on the way, we take a detour towards Gue village, famous for the naturally preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk, one of the most unique sights in the Himalayas. We then continue towards Nako, a peaceful high-altitude village known for its small lake and traditional houses, before driving further through Sumdo, the gateway to Spiti. From here, the road leads us to Tabo, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas and an important cultural centre of the region. We reach Tabo by evening and stay overnight at a traditional homestay / hotel, experiencing the quiet lifestyle of the valley before continuing further into Spiti the next day.

On the fifth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we continue deeper into the Spiti region as we drive from Tabo towards Kaza, exploring some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the valley along the way. After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to Dhankar Monastery, dramatically located on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. This ancient monastery, once the capital of the old Spiti kingdom, offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. From Dhankar, we take a detour towards the stunning Pin Valley National Park, a cold desert region known for its unique wildlife, high-altitude villages, and untouched landscapes. Imagine a national park with rare Himalayan animals, unusual plant life, and a river that flows through wide open valleys, Pin Valley offers all this and more. We visit Kungri Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the valley, and then continue to Mudh village, the last motorable village of Pin Valley. Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley lies between 11,000 and 20,000 feet and is home to rare wildlife including the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, red fox, and Himalayan birds such as the golden eagle and bearded vulture. After spending time in the valley, we drive to Kaza, the largest town and administrative centre of Spiti, where we stay overnight in a hotel and prepare for another exciting day ahead.

On the sixth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we explore some of the highest inhabited regions of the world as we drive from Kaza to the remote villages of Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Kibber and Chicham, along with a visit to the famous Ki Monastery, before returning to Kaza. We begin the day with a drive to Langza village, located at an altitude of around 4,400 meters. This small Himalayan village is known for its fossil-rich land, reminding visitors of the time when this region was once part of the ancient Tethys Sea. Surrounded by wide open landscapes, Langza also has an ancient temple and offers stunning views of the high mountains. From Langza, we continue to Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. If possible, you may send a postcard from this remote village, a small but memorable experience during the journey. Next, we drive to Komik, one of the highest motorable villages in Asia at about 4,513 meters. This quiet village is surrounded by vast pastures and mountains, and the region is known for wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan griffin, red fox and Tibetan wolf. After visiting the high villages, we drive down to the famous Ki Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of the region, built on top of a hill overlooking the valley. From here we continue to Kibber, a beautiful high-altitude village known for its dramatic landscapes, and then to Chicham Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Asia built over a deep gorge connecting Kibber and Chicham. After a long but rewarding day exploring the high villages of Spiti, we drive back to Kaza for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

On the seventh day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave Kaza behind and drive towards one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas, Chandratal Lake. Today’s journey takes us through remote mountain roads, high passes, and some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Spiti region. After breakfast, we drive towards Losar, the last village of Spiti on this route, and continue the ascent towards Kunzum Pass, located at around 15,000 feet above sea level. This high mountain pass connects Spiti with Lahaul and Kullu valleys. At the top, we stop near the Kunzum Mata temple, where travellers traditionally offer prayers before crossing the pass, seeking safe passage through the mountains. From Kunzum Pass, we take the narrow mountain road towards Chandratal Lake, one of the most photogenic lakes in the Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of around 4,300 meters, the lake gets its name from its crescent shape - Chandra meaning moon and Tal meaning lake. Surrounded by barren mountains, green meadows, and the snow-covered peaks of the Chandra Bhaga range, this place feels completely untouched and peaceful. As the sun sets, the colour of the lake changes from bright blue to deep emerald, making it one of the most unforgettable sights of the entire journey. With no permanent settlements nearby, the night sky here is incredibly clear, offering a perfect opportunity to see the Milky Way and countless stars. We stay overnight in comfortable camps near Chandratal Lake (about 2 km away from the lake), equipped with proper tents, mattresses, and warm sleeping arrangements for a safe and memorable high-altitude camping experience.

On the eighth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave the high-altitude lake region behind and continue our journey towards Lahaul Valley, driving through some of the most rugged and remote roads of the Himalayas. This stretch is known for its raw landscapes, river crossings, and dramatic mountain scenery. After breakfast, we drive from Losar/Chandratal lake towards Batal, a small stop famous among travellers for its remote setting and traditional mountain dhaba culture. From here, the road gradually descends towards Gramphu and joins the Manali–Leh Highway, one of the most iconic mountain roads in India. We continue towards Koksar, the first village of Lahaul Valley, where the landscape slowly changes from the cold desert of Spiti to greener mountain surroundings. Driving further, we reach Sissu, known for its beautiful waterfall, lake, and views of snow-covered peaks. This is a perfect place to stop for tea and enjoy the scenery. From Sissu, we continue along the Bhaga River towards Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul, and further to Jispa, a peaceful village surrounded by mountains and river views. Overnight stay in a hotel in Keylong or camps / hotel in Jispa, preparing for the next phase of the journey as we move towards Zanskar Valley.

On the ninth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave the green valleys of Lahaul behind and begin one of the most adventurous drives of the entire journey as we head towards Zanskar Valley via the high-altitude Shinku La Pass. This route is remote, less travelled, and offers some of the rawest Himalayan landscapes of the expedition. After breakfast, we drive from Keylong / Jispa towards Darcha, a small settlement on the Manali-Leh Highway which marks the starting point of the road leading towards Shinku La. From here onward, the road becomes rougher and more dramatic as we follow narrow mountain tracks, cross glacial streams, and drive through wide open valleys surrounded by towering peaks. We gradually climb towards Shinku La, situated at around 16,500 ft, a high mountain pass that connects Lahaul with the Zanskar region. From the top, the views stretch endlessly across snow-covered mountains and untouched terrain, giving a true feeling of travelling far beyond the usual tourist routes. After crossing the pass, we descend into the vast valley of Gonbo Rongjon, a remote and stunning campsite surrounded by rugged cliffs and open skies. The silence and isolation of this place make it one of the most special halts of the entire trip. Overnight stay in camps at Gonbo Rongjon, as we prepare to enter deeper into Zanskar Valley the next day.

On the tenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we continue deeper into the remote landscapes of Zanskar Valley, a region known for its dramatic mountains, ancient monasteries, and peaceful villages untouched by mass tourism. Today is one of the most special days of the journey as we visit the famous Phuktal Monastery, one of the most unique monasteries in the Himalayas. After breakfast at the campsite in Gonbo Rongjon, we drive towards Purne, a small village which serves as the starting point for the hike to Phuktal Monastery. From here, we begin a scenic trek of around 1.5–2 hours along the river gorge. The trail is easy to moderate and offers beautiful views of cliffs, caves, and the narrow valley leading to the monastery. Built into the side of a mountain cliff, Phuktal Monastery is one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. The monastery appears as if it is growing out of the rock itself and has been a place of meditation and learning for centuries. We spend some time here exploring the monastery and enjoying the peaceful surroundings before hiking back to Purne. After the trek, we continue our drive towards Padum, the main town of Zanskar Valley. On the way, we also stop at the beautiful Sheela Waterfall, a refreshing sight surrounded by rocky mountains and open landscapes. By evening, we reach Padum, where we check into our hotel and relax after a long but memorable day of travel and hiking. Overnight stay in a hotel in Padum.

On the eleventh day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we spend the day exploring the beautiful monasteries around Padum, the heart of Zanskar Valley. This day is more relaxed compared to the previous adventurous drives and gives us time to experience the culture, history, and peaceful lifestyle of this remote Himalayan region. After breakfast, we drive to Karsha Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar. Located on a hill overlooking the valley, Karsha Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and villages. You can walk around the monastery complex, interact with monks, and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this spiritual place. After visiting Karsha, we return to Padum for lunch and some rest before continuing our sightseeing. Later, we head towards Stongdey Monastery, another important monastery of Zanskar, beautifully located on a hilltop with wide views of the valley. The monastery is known for its ancient murals, prayer halls, and peaceful surroundings. During the day, we also visit the New Monastery near Padum, a modern Buddhist monastery that reflects the continuing spiritual life of the region. By evening, we return to Padum and relax at the hotel after an easy but culturally rich day in Zanskar Valley. Overnight stay in a hotel in Padum.

On the twelfth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave Zanskar Valley and begin our journey towards Kargil, driving through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the entire tour. This is a long but incredibly scenic day as we cross high mountain passes, glaciers, monasteries, and the lush Suru Valley. After breakfast in Padum, we start the drive towards Sani Lake, a peaceful spot known for the historic Sani Monastery, believed to be one of the oldest religious sites in Ladakh. After a short stop, we continue the journey towards Pensi La Pass, the gateway that connects Zanskar to the Suru Valley. On the way to Pensi La, we get stunning views of the famous Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh. The sight of the massive glacier flowing down the mountains is one of the highlights of this route and a perfect place for photographs. After crossing Pensi La (around 14,800 ft.), the landscape slowly changes again as we descend towards Rangdum, where we stop to visit the beautiful Rangdum Monastery, located in the middle of wide open valleys surrounded by mountains. From here, we continue through the green and fertile Suru Valley, a complete contrast to the dry mountains of Zanskar. The valley is known for its villages, farmlands, and views of the Nun-Kun peaks, among the highest mountains in the region. By evening, we reach Kargil, where we check into the hotel and rest after one of the longest but most scenic drives of the journey. Overnight stay in a hotel in Kargil.

On the thirteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we spend the day exploring the important landmarks around Kargil, including historic sites, border villages, and optional wildlife spotting. After several long driving days, today is relatively relaxed and gives us time to experience this important region of Ladakh more closely. After breakfast, those interested can start early for an optional visit towards the brown bear sighting region near Drass, where, with some luck, the rare Himalayan brown bear may be spotted from a safe distance. This optional excursion depends on weather, road conditions, and time available. We then visit Hundermann Village, a historic settlement located close to the Line of Control. The village offers a glimpse into the life of the border communities and provides wide views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Later, we drive towards the famous Kargil War Memorial at Drass, built in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. This is one of the most emotional and meaningful stops of the entire journey. We also stop at Manman Top viewpoint, known for its panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks, before returning to Kargil by evening. Overnight stay in a hotel in Kargil.

On the fourteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave Kargil and drive towards Leh, entering the central region of Ladakh. Today’s journey is one of the most scenic drives of the entire expedition, passing through high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, and famous landmarks along the Srinagar–Leh Highway. After breakfast, we begin the drive towards Mulbekh, known for its ancient rock-carved statue of Maitreya Buddha located along the roadside. From here, the road climbs steadily towards Namkhi La and then Fotu La, the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway, offering wide views of the rugged Ladakhi mountains. Continuing ahead, we take a detour to visit Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, famous for its unique architecture, ancient murals, and peaceful surroundings. After the visit, we drive towards Sangam Point, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, creating a beautiful contrast of colours at the confluence. Further on the route, we pass the famous Magnetic Hill, known for its unusual optical illusion, and visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, an important spiritual site maintained by the Indian Army. By evening, we reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh, where we check into the hotel and rest after a long but memorable drive. Overnight stay in a hotel in Leh.

On the fifteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we begin our journey towards the famous Nubra Valley, crossing one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Today’s drive is one of the highlights of the Ladakh region, with changing landscapes, high mountain passes, and the unique cold desert of Nubra. After breakfast in Leh, we drive towards Khardung La Pass, located at an altitude of about 18,000 feet. The road to Khardung La offers stunning views of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys, and reaching the top is a memorable experience for every traveller. After a short stop at the pass for photographs and tea, we begin the descent towards Nubra Valley. As we enter Nubra Valley, the scenery changes completely, with wide open valleys, sand dunes, and the Shyok and Nubra rivers flowing through the region. We continue towards Hunder, one of the most beautiful villages in Nubra, known for its cold desert sand dunes surrounded by high mountains. In the evening, you can enjoy an optional camel ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels at the Hunder sand dunes, one of the most unique experiences in Ladakh. The peaceful surroundings and the changing colours of the mountains at sunset make this a perfect end to the day. Overnight stay in hotel / camps in Hunder, Nubra Valley.

On the sixteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we explore the northern side of Nubra Valley, visiting some of the last villages near the India–Pakistan border. This day offers a unique cultural experience, very different from the rest of Ladakh, as we visit the beautiful Balti villages of Turtuk and Thang. After breakfast in Hunder, we drive along the Shyok River towards Thang, one of the northernmost accessible villages in India, located close to the border. From here, you can see the Line of Control from a distance, and the views of the surrounding mountains and river valley make this a very special stop. We then continue to Turtuk, a historic village that became part of India after the 1971 war. Unlike the rest of Ladakh, the culture here is influenced by Balti traditions, and the village is known for its stone houses, narrow lanes, apricot orchards, and friendly locals. We take a short village walk, explore the local market area, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After spending enough time in Turtuk, we drive back to Hunder, following the same scenic route along the river. Overnight stay in hotel / camps in Hunder, Nubra Valley.

On the seventeenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave Nubra Valley and drive towards the famous Pangong Lake, taking the scenic and adventurous route along the Shyok River. This route is known for its dramatic landscapes and remote mountain scenery, making it one of the most exciting drives of the Ladakh region. After breakfast, we first visit Diskit Monastery, the largest monastery of Nubra Valley, located on a hill overlooking the entire valley. The monastery is known for its giant statue of Maitreya Buddha and offers beautiful panoramic views of the sand dunes, river, and surrounding mountains. After the visit, we begin our drive towards Pangong, following the road along the Shyok River, which passes through remote villages and wide valleys. This route is less crowded than the usual highway and offers a raw and untouched Himalayan experience. The drive can be long depending on road conditions, but the changing scenery makes the journey very memorable. By afternoon/evening, we reach the stunning Pangong Lake, one of the most famous high-altitude lakes in the world, known for its crystal-clear water that changes colours with the sunlight. Surrounded by barren mountains and open skies, Pangong is one of the most beautiful places of the entire trip. Overnight stay in cottages near Pangong Lake.

On the eighteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we begin one of the most extraordinary drives of the entire journey as we travel from Pangong Lake to Hanle, crossing some of the highest motorable roads in the world. This is a long and adventurous day, taking us through remote high-altitude terrain rarely visited by regular travellers. After breakfast near Pangong Lake, we drive past Spangmik village and continue towards Rezang La, a historic mountain pass known for the bravery of Indian soldiers during the 1962 war. The route then leads us deeper into the Changthang region, where the landscape becomes vast, silent, and completely untouched. We then head towards Umling La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, situated at an altitude of over 19,000 feet. Reaching here is a special moment of the expedition, as very few road trips cover this extreme high-altitude pass. The views from the top are breathtaking, with endless mountains stretching in every direction. After spending some time at Umling La, we descend towards Hanle, a remote village known for its clear skies and peaceful surroundings. Hanle is home to one of the world’s highest observatories and is famous for its incredible night sky.

On the nineteenth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we leave the remote village of Hanle and begin our return journey towards Leh, driving through the beautiful high-altitude region of Changthang. This is another long but scenic day, filled with wide open landscapes, peaceful lakes, and remote mountain roads. After breakfast, we visit the famous Hanle Dark Sky Observatory, one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, known for its clear skies and perfect conditions for stargazing. After spending some time here, we continue the drive towards Chumur, a remote settlement close to the Indo-China border, surrounded by vast plains and mountains. From here, we head towards the stunning Tso Moriri Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Ladakh. Located in the Changthang region, the lake is known for its deep blue water, peaceful surroundings, and views of snow-covered peaks. After a short halt near the lake, we continue the journey towards Mahe, where the road meets the Leh–Manali highway route. Driving further, we pass through Chumathang, known for its hot water springs, before continuing along the Indus River towards Leh. By evening, we reach Leh, where we check into the hotel and relax after another adventurous day in the high Himalayas. Overnight stay in a hotel in Leh.

On the twentieth day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, we keep the day relaxed and explore the main attractions around Leh, giving the body some rest after many days of high-altitude travel. This day is perfect to enjoy the culture, history, and peaceful atmosphere of Ladakh at a slower pace. After breakfast, we begin with a visit to Leh Palace, a historic structure overlooking the town, offering wide views of Leh and the surrounding mountains. Built in the 17th century, the palace reflects the traditional Tibetan style of architecture and gives a glimpse into the royal history of Ladakh. We then drive to Thiksey Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh, known for its hilltop location and the large statue of Maitreya Buddha inside the monastery. The peaceful surroundings and panoramic views make this one of the highlights of sightseeing in Leh. Later, we visit Shanti Stupa, a white-domed structure built on a hilltop, famous for its stunning views of the town, especially during sunset. In the evening, you can explore the local market of Leh, where you can walk through small shops, cafés, and souvenir stores, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town. Overnight stay in a hotel in Leh.

On the final day of the Great Himalayan Road Trip, our journey across Kinnaur, Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar, and Ladakh comes to an end in the beautiful town of Leh. Guests can choose to take a flight from Leh to Delhi or continue their travel towards Manali / Srinagar by road, depending on their further plans. After spending three weeks exploring some of the most remote and stunning regions of the Himalayas, today marks the conclusion of this unforgettable expedition. If required, we can also help arrange a private taxi from Leh to Manali, which can be organised on request at an additional cost. With memories of high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, remote villages, and some of the most scenic roads in the world, the tour ends in Leh. Tour ends.