Land at Srinagar airport and drive to the houseboat. Visit the Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasme Shahi, and Pari Mahal. The Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are located on the banks of the Dal Lake, and they are known for their stunning
design, breathtaking views, and unique features. Visit Shankaracharya temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built by the famous philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century CE, and it is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region. Enjoy the sunset Sikara ride on Dal or at Nageen Lake. Overnight in a houseboat.

We start our journey to Kargil after breakfast. Travel through the picturesque landscape of Sonmarg, which is also known as the 'Meadow of Gold' and Zoji La Pass, which is one of the highest and most treacherous mountain passes in the world. The pass offers a mesmerizing view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

As the journey continues, the highway passes through Drass, which is considered the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Drass is a beautiful valley with a stunning view of the mountains, and the journey through this valley is nothing short of breathtaking.

The next major stop on the NH-1D is Kargil, which is famous for its role in the 1999 Kargil War. Kargil is a beautiful town with a rich history and a unique culture. The town is nestled between two massive mountain ranges, and the view of the town from the highway is awe-inspiring.

Arrive at Kargil by early evening. Overnight in Kargil.

As the highway leaves Kargil, it crosses the famous Fotu La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. We stop at Mulbekh which has an ancient rock-cut Buddha statue. The next stop will be Lamayuru Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in the 11th century and is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful wall paintings.

We also make stops at Sangam - the Confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.

Finally, the journey comes to an end in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. In conclusion, a road journey from Srinagar to Leh on NH-1D is an unforgettable experience. The natural beauty of the region is simply breathtaking, and the journey is a must-do for anyone who loves nature and adventure. From the stunning mountain passes to the remote villages of Ladakh, every moment of the journey is a feast for the senses.

After a much-needed rest, we visit some of the local sights in Leh after lunch.

Shanti Stupa - was built by the Japanese Buddhist organization "Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai" led by Nichidatsu Fuji in 1991. The stupa is said to promote world peace and attract tourists from all over the world to the region. It sits on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The stupa is also a popular spot for meditation and prayer for Buddhists.

Tsemo Palace – is also known as Tsemo Gompa and Tsemo Fort. It is situated on top of a hill, on the northern side of the Leh Palace. The palace was built in the 15th century by King Tashi Namgyal and was used as the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty, which ruled over Ladakh for several centuries. The palace complex includes a number of temples and shrines, including a temple dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha.

Leh Palace –  is a former royal palace located in Leh, India, in the Ladakh region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The palace was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal and served as the residence of the Namgyal dynasty, which ruled over Ladakh for several centuries. It is a nine-story building made of stone and wood and features a mix of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles. The palace was abandoned in the mid-19th century when the royal family moved to Stok Palace and later it was taken over by the Indian Army. It is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Ladakh and the royal family that once lived there. The palace offers panoramic views of the Stok Kangri mountain range.

After the local sightseeing, get dropped at the hotel or the market. Overnight in Leh.

Nubra Valley is a high-altitude cold desert located in the northernmost region of India, in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The valley is situated between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges and is known for its picturesque landscape, including sand dunes and the Nubra River. The valley is also home to several Buddhist monasteries and is a popular destination for adventure tourism, such as trekking and camping. Access to the valley is through the Khardung La pass, which is considered one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Nubra Valley is about 150 km away from Leh. Enjoy the evening at the Hunder dunes.

Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake, is a high-altitude lake in the Himalayas of Ladakh, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft) and stretches around 134 km with about 60% of the length located in Tibet and the rest in India. The lake is known for its spectacular scenery and the changing colour of the water, which appears to be different shades of blue and green depending on the time of day and weather conditions. It is also a popular tourist destination, and many films have been shot here. We take the Shyok route to get to Pangong from Nubra. Reach Pangong by early evening. Overnight on the lake.

We start our final journey back to Leh via ChangLa pass which is located at an altitude of 17,586 feet (5,360 meters) above sea level and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The pass connects the Ladakh and Zanskar regions and is a crucial link for the local population, providing access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Reach Leh by the afternoon. Evening free to explore the local market.

Airport Drop. Departure :)