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THE HIMALAYAN APEX: KASHMIR TO KULLU VIA UMLING LA

This is the "Grand Traverse" of the North. Unlike standard circuits, this expedition begins in the green meadows of Srinagar, takes the less-traveled Batalik/Aryan Valley route to Leh, and pushes to the absolute limit at Umling La (19,024 ft). You will experience the drastic transition from Kashmir's alpine beauty to Ladakh's cold desert, stand at the Pakistan border (Thang), and witness the galaxy at Hanle before descending into the pine forests of Manali.

Srinagar, Sonmarg, Drass, Kargil, Batalik (Aryan Valley), Leh, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Lake, Hanle (Dark Sky Reserve), Umling La, Nyoma, Jispa, Atal Tunnel, Manali, Delhi.

  • Day 01 | Arrive Srinagar: Arrival in Srinagar, transfer to houseboat/hotel. Evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake.


  • Day 02 | Srinagar To Kargil | Sonamarg | Zojila Pass | Drass War Memorial: Drive through the "Meadow of Gold," cross the treacherous Zoji La, and pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.


  • Day 03 | Kargil To Leh | Hanuthang | Batalik | Magnetic Hill | Pathar Sahib Gurudwara: Take the scenic Batalik route (Aryan Valley), visiting Hanuthang and the Indus confluence before reaching Leh.


  • Day 04 | Leh to Nubra Valley | Khardungla Pass | Diskit Monastery | Hunder Sand Dunes: Conquer Khardung La and ride Bactrian camels in the Hunder sand dunes.


  • Day 05 | Turtuk Excursion | Thang Village | POK Border: A cultural journey to Turtuk and Thang, the northernmost village on the Line of Control.


  • Day 06 | Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake | Shayok River: Travel via the Shyok River route to witness the color-changing waters of Pangong Lake.


  • Day 07 | Pangong Lake to Hanle | Rezang La War Memorial: Drive to the remote hamlet of Hanle, home to the world's highest observatory.


  • Day 08 | Hanle to Nyoma | Umlingla Pass World’s New Highest Motorable Road: The summit day—drive to the top of the world at Umling La Pass and descend to Nyoma.


  • Day 09 | Nyoma to Leh: Return to Leh via the scenic plateau route, completing the eastern circuit.


  • Day 10 | Leh To Jispa | Tanglang Pass | 22 Gata Loops | Pang Grounds: Begin the return journey on the Manali-Leh highway, crossing the vast More Plains and Tanglang La.


  • Day 11 | Jispa To Manali | Delhi Depart | Atal Tunnel | Sissu: Cross Baralacha La and Atal Tunnel to reach Manali. Evening Volvo bus departure for Delhi.


  • Day 12 | Reach Delhi: Morning arrival in Delhi, marking the end of the epic 12-day journey.

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