Songs of the Indus: An 8-Day Ladakh Journey through Valleys, Villages & Vistas

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Srinagar → Aryan Valley → Sham Valley → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Merak → Leh

Overview

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Route: Srinagar → Aryan Valley → Sham Valley → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Merak → Leh
Approximate Distance Covered: 900–1000 km
Trip Style: Cultural Road Trip | Himalayan Nature | Remote Village Travel | Slow Adventure
Themes: Nature and Silence | Culture and Community | Story and Spirit | Heritage and Handicraft

Overnight Stays

Srinagar – 1 Night
Aryan Valley – 2 Nights
Leh – 2 Nights
Nubra Valley – 1 Night
Merak Village (Pangong) – 1 Night

Highlights:

Shikara ride on Dal Lake and vibrant evenings in Srinagar
Stay in remote villages of the Dard Aryans
Scenic drive along Sham Valley and Lamayuru landscapes
Buddhist monasteries: Alchi, Basgo, and Lamayuru
Highest motorable road – Khardungla Pass
Sand dunes and double-humped camels in Nubra
Serene night at Pangong Lake in Merak Village
Rancho School and Leh Palace visit
Evening twilight view from Shanti Stupa and Leh Market

Who This Is For

Cultural travelers looking to connect with Himalayan village life
Adventurous families or couples interested in remote travel
History buffs and Buddhist culture enthusiasts
Travelers seeking the contrast of lakes, deserts, and mountains

This 8-day Ladakh journey takes you from the Mughal gardens and lively streets of Srinagar to the soul-stirring silence of Aryan Valley and the wide, rugged expanses of Leh, Nubra, and Pangong. Explore tribal hamlets, ancient monasteries, twilight markets, sacred rivers, and the surreal beauty of Himalayan desert landscapes.

Perfect for seekers of culture and quiet, this route reveals the lesser-known human stories and spiritual trails hidden in India’s far north.

Note:

This itinerary is indicative. Experiences may be rearranged depending on weather, local conditions, and host availability.

Included/Excluded

Accommodation in handpicked resorts, homestays, or eco-lodges
Breakfast and Dinner on all days
Private transport with driver: fuel, toll, parking, driver TA included
Oxygen Cylinder, Camping Stove and Utensils and other trip specific supplies
Inner-line Permits

Entry tickets unless specified
Meals not mentioned
Tips, snacks, laundry, personal shopping
Emergency medical costs or insurance
Optional/add-on activities beyond itinerary
Guides and experiences not mentioned under inclusions

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrival at Srinagar

Distance: Local travel only

Arrive in Srinagar and check into your hotel or heritage homestay
Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the afternoon
Explore Lal Chowk and its historical bazaars
Taste authentic Kashmiri bakery items and street ice cream
Optional sunset walk near Nishat Bagh or Chashme Shahi

Overnight Stay: Srinagar

Day 02 Srinagar to Aryan Valley

Distance: ~220 km | Travel Time: 7–8 hrs

Begin your road journey towards the lesser-known Aryan Valley
Drive past Zoji La and into the Indus River valley
Enter the remote villages of the Brokpa Dard Aryans
Interact with locals and settle into a traditional homestay
Enjoy a warm local meal and starry skies

Overnight Stay: Aryan Valley

Day 03 Explore Aryan Valley

Distance: Local travel only

Visit remote Dardic villages: Dah, Hanu, Garkone, Biama, Darchik
Learn about their floral headgear, ancient customs, and music
Short hikes along the Indus River banks and barley fields
Enjoy a community-led cultural meal or dance (if available)
Optional photography or journaling session in the valley

Overnight Stay: Aryan Valley

Day 04 Aryan Valley to Leh via Sham Valley

Distance: ~180 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs

Begin the scenic drive to Leh through Sham Valley
Enroute stop at Lamayuru Moonland and Alchi Monastery
Visit Basgo ruins and Sangam Point (Zanskar–Indus confluence)
Experience Magnetic Hill and stop by Gurudwara Patthar Sahib
Reach Leh and visit Shanti Stupa at twilight

Overnight Stay: Leh

Day 05 Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla

Distance: ~120 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hrs

Cross Khardung La – the famed high-altitude motorable pass
Descend into the sand dunes of Hunder
Visit Diskit Monastery with its giant Buddha statue
Optional Dune Bashing on ATV
Evening around bonfire or stargazing in the valley

Overnight Stay: Nubra Valley

Day 06 Nubra to Pangong via Shyok & Stay at Merak

Distance: ~170 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs

Drive along the stunning Shyok River
Arrive at Pangong Lake and continue to the quieter Merak Village
Relax by the lakeshore with changing light and colors
Walk through the rustic village and meet locals
Campfire or early rest with starlit lake views

Overnight Stay: Merak Village (Pangong)

Day 07 Merak to Leh via Rancho School & Leh Palace

Distance: ~160 km | Travel Time: 6 hrs

Drive back to Leh along the Chang La route
Enroute visit the famous Rancho School
Explore Leh Palace and learn about Ladakhi royal history
Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping at Leh Market
Optional café stop or cultural performance depending on interest

Overnight Stay: Leh

Day 08 Departure from Leh

Distance: Local travel to airport

Distance: Local travel to airport

Overnight Stay: End of Journey

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TIPS & ESSENTIALS

Do’s:

● Ask before photographing people or homes

● Dress modestly in villages

● Carry a refillable bottle and cloth bags

● Tip guides and drivers generously when satisfied

Don’ts:

● Don’t play loud music in natural settings

● Don’t touch sacred trees or enter altars uninvited

● Avoid plastic use, even packaged snacks

RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

A few short vignettes or quote-style reflections from past journeys.

Reduce Waste:

- Avoid single-use plastics; bring refillables
- Carry back all your trash 
- Use biodegradable toiletries while near
water bodies

Support Local Livelihoods:

- Choose community-run stays and eateries 
- Buy souvenirs from artisans directly 
- Engage meaningfully, not just for photos

Respect the Local Way of Life:

- Learn basic greetings and local etiquette 
- Ask before entering sacred spaces or homes 
- Go slow — don’t force schedules in remote
areas

Minimize Environmental Impact:

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Songs of the Indus: An 8-Day Ladakh Journey through Valleys, Villages & Vistas

Overnight Stays

Highlights:

Who This Is For

Note:

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

Reviews

TIPS & ESSENTIALS

Do’s:

● Ask before photographing people or homes

● Dress modestly in villages

● Carry a refillable bottle and cloth bags

● Tip guides and drivers generously when satisfied

Don’ts:

● Don’t play loud music in natural settings

● Don’t touch sacred trees or enter altars uninvited

● Avoid plastic use, even packaged snacks

RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

A few short vignettes or quote-style reflections from past journeys.

Reduce Waste:

Support Local Livelihoods:

Respect the Local Way of Life:

Minimize Environmental Impact:

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