Leh Ladakh Car Trip with Umling La Pass

Today’s drive will cover approximately 90 km, with a basic terrain type. After a relaxing breakfast, we’ll begin our exploration with a visit to Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to move uphill due to an optical illusion. Next, we’ll visit Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, a sacred Sikh site, followed by the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the memory of brave Indian soldiers. Our final stop for the day will be at Sangam Point, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet in a dramatic confluence. After a day filled with history and natural beauty, we will return to Leh for an overnight stay.

Early this morning, we will drive towards Nubra Valley, located 126 km from Leh. We recommend starting early to ensure you don't miss any of the destinations on our itinerary. On the way, we will cross Khardung La Pass, one of the highest passes in Ladakh. For lunch, we will stop at the T-point or in Khalsar village, with the driver accommodating any preferences you may have. Afterward, we will visit the Maitreya Buddha in Diskit village and the famous sand dunes in Hunder village, before checking in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

This morning, we will drive towards Pangong Lake, located 170 km from Nubra Valley. We recommend leaving Nubra Valley before 9 AM to make sure you don’t miss any of the scenic spots along the way. En route, we will pass through several small villages and follow the picturesque Shayok River, which makes this route particularly famous. We will stop for lunch in Durbuk or Tangtse. We should reach Pangong Lake by the afternoon, and before checking into the hotel, we will visit the Shooting Point, offering stunning views of the lake. Afterward, we’ll check in to the hotel for an overnight stay by Pangong Lake.

The travel distance to Pangong Lake is around 200 km taking approximately 6-7 hours. On this day, you will witness the true beauty of Pangong Lake in all its glory. In Chushul, we will visit the Rezang La War Memorial, a site of historical significance. Hanle, located at an altitude of 4,500 meters, is a charming village with a population of about 1,000 people. Here, you can explore the lovely Hanle Monastery, which offers breathtaking aerial views of the village. Hanle is also home to the Hanle Observatory, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru. Currently, it is the second-highest optical observatory in the world, with a telescope of about 2.01 meters (6.5 feet) in diameter. We will stay overnight in Hanle.

The travel distance for today is 180 km, which will take approximately 6-7 hours. You will drive on the world’s highest motorable road to Umling La, a mountain pass located in Ladakh, India, between Koyul Lungpa and the Indus River near Demchok. At an elevation of 5,640 meters, Umling La is the source of the Umlung stream, which drains into the Indus River, and a tributary of the Kiungdul River, which flows into Koyul Lungpa. After this unforgettable journey, you will return to Hanle for an overnight stay.

The travel distance today is approximately 250 km which will take around 7-8 hours. On the way, you can explore Chumathang, famous for its rejuvenating hot springs. A lunch break will be taken at Upshi village, offering a chance to relax and refresh. Afterward, visit the impressive Thiksey Monastery, known for its striking Tibetan architecture, and stop by the famous Rancho School, featured in the film 3 Idiots. In the evening, you'll reach Leh for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, our driver will drop you off at Leh Airport for your departure. We hope you leave with happy and vivid memories of this enchanting, mysterious landscape and we look forward to welcoming you back to Ladakh in the future. Feel free to share your photos and memories with us on our Facebook page, TripAdvisor review or Google review.