Experience Overview
Concealed by the Ladakh and Karakorum mountains, the Nubra Valley in northern India remains unseen and untouched by mass tourism. Here, rare double-humped Bactrian camels share a near-unspoiled terrain with traditional shepherd camps and elusive snow leopards. To reach it, we must take a spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh, the largest city in the Ladakh region, before crossing the Khardung La, one of the highest drivable passes in the world and a one-time route for Silk Road traders. It’s then into the wilderness, exploring the virtually uninhabited Nubra Valley on foot while gazing at unnamed peaks and camping wild as we go.
Our 20 July 2025 and 19 July 2026 departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious annual Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 8 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Eight days of trekking — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18 — Altitude maximum: 17,715ft (5,400m); average: 12,795ft (3,900m) — 20 July 2025 and 19 July 2026 departures led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021 — Full porterage throughout the trek — Golden Triangle extension available
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 8 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Eight days of trekking — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18 — Altitude maximum: 17,715ft (5,400m); average: 12,795ft (3,900m) — 20 July 2025 and 19 July 2026 departures led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021 — Full porterage throughout the trek — Golden Triangle extension available
Trip For You
This is a reasonably strenuous trek involving eight days of walking at high altitude.
Maximum altitude: 17,715ft (5,400m)Average: 12,795ft (3,900m)
Therefore, it has been graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. Most days involve four to seven hours of walking, with one long day over the pass. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Most of the trails are well made on sandy and rocky paths and there might be a few river crossings. There is one high mountain pass to cross, the Lasermo La (17,715ft/5,400m).
This trek is for those who are willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and like a good walk for around six hours a day. This is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (mules and ponies) throughout; you need only carry your daypack.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning under the ‘Practical Information’ section within the Trip Notes. We spend two days in Leh (11,480ft/3,500m) before the trek to allow you to acclimatise.
Daytime temperatures can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day as the sun is very strong at these altitudes. Nights will be cooler and cold at the highest altitudes.
Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Why trek with Exodus?
We have more than 30 years’ experience organising treks in LadakhYou can talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselvesWe have experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sicknessAll staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wageWe carefully plan ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency daysStaff carry oxygen and first-aid essentialsWe use self-assessment AMS cards to monitor every client at altitude
Group Description
This trip is led by an experienced English-speaking local leader. They will be supported by local guides, cook crew and pony men and as many helpers as the group size dictates. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, take Exodus leader training courses and are trained in wilderness first aid.
The 20 July 2025 and 19 July 2026 departures (Land Only start date) will be led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021. Valerie has been leading treks and climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for more than 40 years. Her experience in this area is second to none and she has led the trek many times. Places on her trips go quickly, so we advise booking early if you would like to trek with her.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, eight lunches and nine dinners are included.
Indian food is highly regarded and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites, which is influenced by Silk Road traders from Tibet and China. Don’t miss the delicious and popular snacks – momos (dumplings). Also try: thukpa, a clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton or chicken; tingmo (pronounced tee-mo), steamed bread eaten with dal; and a favourite found in most restaurants, chutagi, a thick soup of local vegetables and bow tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in the broth (also served with meat).
Allow at least 1,600-2,000 rupees (approximately US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where not included). You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).
While camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner, a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served.
Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh, there is a shop called Dzomsa that sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this is on your first day in Leh. The Leh hotel provides safe filtered drinking water.
During the trek, the cooks will collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well.
We recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets or drops, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Transportation
Depending on the time of day, for transfers in Delhi we use either taxis or private buses (during busy times, such as morning rush hour, taxis are preferable to negotiate the busy narrow streets).
In and around Leh and for the drive to Hundar and from Phyang we use Jeeps or cars. For the flights to and from Leh, we use one of the local airlines.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Deventure, Bp -11, Opposite Metro Pillar No 221, New Delhi 110002, India
Phone: +91 99961 17770
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Leh flight delays
Leh Airport sometimes experiences adverse weather conditions, which can occasionally cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. If booking your own flights, we advise you to book your international flight home from Delhi departing no sooner than mid‐afternoon/evening on the last day of the itinerary. Please also be aware that should you miss your international flight as a result of delays from Leh, your insurance may not cover you for any additional expenses incurred.
Weather Information
Generally, the weather is good in Ladakh during summer, with warm to very hot sunny days (up to 30C/86F and sometimes above 35C/95F) with cooler nights depending on the altitude. There is, however, the possibility of rain, and you should be prepared for this. The sun is very strong at these altitudes and some of the days on trek can be extremely hot.
Ladakh, though technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high-altitude desert, can and does occasionally experience the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide when the weather is normally good, you should remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Summer in Delhi is very hot and humid.
Spending Money
You are advised to bring most of your money in cash as you cannot change travellers cheques in India. It makes no difference whether you bring British pounds or US dollars. You can change your money on arrival at Delhi airport but the rates tend to be very poor at the airport so we recommend changing cash either in the Delhi hotel or at the money exchange kiosks in Leh.
Apart from the extra food, you should allow approximately 500 rupees (US$7) a day for drinks and incidentals, more if you enjoy a few beers, as these are comparatively expensive in India. Most monasteries in Ladakh charge a small entrance fee that goes towards the upkeep of the building. These may add up to about 800 rupees (approximately US$10) in total.
On trek there is not much to spend your money on, but in Leh and Delhi there is a wealth of souvenirs, trinkets etc.
India has very good opportunities for shopping, especially for locally made goods, and in Delhi local guides may well offer to take you to emporiums and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides will often assume visitors will want to go shopping, it is part of the culture; however, if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in India, but it can be an awkward affair especially when you are not familiar with the country. Your leader will help with tipping and will provide a list of suggested tips. This will include tips for drivers, hotel porters and other hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, and includes camp staff such as guides, assistants, cooks and pony men. Sometimes your leader will collect a kitty during the trip and sometimes they will collect the tips towards the end of the trip (occasionally for very small groups the leader may need to collect a little more than the suggested amount). We suggest you allow 7,000 rupees total (approximately US$85) per person for this trip.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a total tip around 2,000-3,000 rupees (US$25-US$35) per person would be appreciated. Please try to tip in local currency.
Highlights
- — Survey the tallest mountain range in the world on a sensational flight over the Himalaya — Travel in jeeps over the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world — Visit the Diskit Monastery, home to a colourful Buddha statue that’s taller than a house — Meet rare double-humped Bactrian camels — Cross the wild, glaciated Lasermo La pass
Trip Details
Product Code: 4108
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: airlines.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TGD
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
- — All accommodation — All breakfasts, nine lunches, nine dinners — All listed transport and activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone (in Delhi)
Accommodation
Hotels and campingIn Delhi, we use a Classic-rated hotel with air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, we stay in a Classic-rated hotel, close to the local market and town centre. There is wifi available in Leh; however, there is no mobile coverage for international phones in Ladakh. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff will put up and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your day pack. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for kitbags. We also have a dining tent with a table and folding chairs, and at least one eco toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available while camping. You camp close to a river or stream and the camp staff will provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) while trekking. Worth knowing: It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.Toilet tents used while camping comprise of a dug hole (prepared by your camping staff) inside a tent, with dirt/sand beside the hole to cover waste after each use.Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.Single supplement from £480
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4370 (CAD 291 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Delhi, a captivating city full of life and cultural intrigue. To make the start of your adventure easy, free arrival transfers are available for all travellers provided you have supplied your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. Depending on your arrival time, you may then have time to explore this electric city. A short taxi or tuk-tuk drive from our hotel is Karol Bagh Market, where colourful stalls are packed with clothing and jewellery, and the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a magnificent Sikh temple topped with an onion-shaped gold dome. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
We wake early this morning for a spectacular flight over the Himalaya mountains to Leh, the largest city in the Ladakh region. Reserve a moment or two on your journey to peer out the window and over some of the tallest mountains in the world. After touching down and arriving at our hotel, we settle into our rooms and freshen up. This afternoon, we take a gentle orientation walk around the city and bazaars. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,480ft/3,500m). Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
Today we continue our sightseeing in and around Leh, visiting Tikse and Shey monasteries, two of the major gompas (Buddhist temples) in the area. We first drive to Shey, once a palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350-year-old copper-and-gold statue of the Buddha. From Shey, we walk across the fields to Tikse, where we visit the monastery. This hilltop complex with red-and-white buildings can be seen for miles and within is a recently built temple with a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We return to Leh and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore and try more local dishes, such as thukpa (a noodle soup), momos (steamed dumplings) or skiu (a traditional stew). Early evening there will be a full trek briefing. Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
We leave Leh today and set off in jeeps over the Khardung La, once part of the Silk Road and now one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,635ft (5,375m). The journey to the top of the pass takes us on a winding road high above Leh. From the top, we get great views back to the Leh Valley and the Ladakh mountains and ahead we can see the Karakorum mountain range. The road winds down and down through the North Pollu checkpost and to Khardung village, then on to Khalsar village (10,710ft/3,264m) and the Shyok River. We stop en route to visit Diskit monastery. Overlooked by a 105ft (32m) high Buddha statue, it is the oldest and largest in the Nubra Valley, dating from 1420, and belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Hundar is only about 6mi (10km) from Diskit and it is filled with dunes, an unusual sight between magnificent mountains. Stopping at the dunes in the late afternoon/early evening we see the rare Bactrian camels. These magnificent two-humped dromedaries were once vital to the traders passing through this region, but when trade decreased in the late 1950s, the animals were left in the Nubra Valley. Thankfully, a government programme has ensured these camels continue to survive and we get a chance to meet some of those still living in the area. From the dunes it is a short drive to our hotel in Hundar (approximately six hours’ drive). Accommodation: Hotel Karma Inn (sleeping altitude: 9,910ft/3,020m)
We head into the valleys this morning, driving for about 1.8mi (3km) to Hundar Gompa, where we start our trek. Leaving the main valley, we turn up into a narrow side valley. The walking today is fairly easy as we follow a wide 4x4 track into the gorge. Rocks tower above us as we gain height gradually. After approximately 4.5mi (7km), we come to a small droksa (shepherd camp) with a few trees providing welcome shade from the sun. The valley now widens a little and we camp where the valley splits on the edge of a small village called Wachan. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,467ft/3,800m)
Today is a half day as we begin to gain height. We start by taking the left-hand valley and climbing steadily to Dok Yokma, a small collection of houses and fields. This is the last village we see until Phyang. We can visit the small monastery and maybe stop in a local house for a cup of tea. The trail ascends down the valley all morning until we reach our campsite opposite the Snia Valley. In the afternoon, there is time to explore the hills and take in the spectacular scenery. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
We cross a small stone bridge and turn into the Snia Valley and follow it upstream. The trail climbs steadily on the left hand side of the valley. We are surrounded by unnamed peaks and passes and only shepherds inhabit this valley in the summer. Before there were roads in Ladakh, people used the passes regularly. Now, apart from the summer shepherds with their herds of yaks, the valley is inhabited by wildlife only. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, foxes, wolves and, for the very lucky, the elusive snow leopards that hunt here. We camp close to the river just before the next valley junction. In the afternoon there is an optional walk further up the valley towards a glacial lake. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 15,090ft/4,600m)
A descending start leads us to the intersection of Snia and Thanglasgo valleys. From here, we ascend gradually on the left side of the valley. The trail crosses rocky glacial moraine and green pastures. A picturesque walk for around five to five and a half hours brings us to our beautiful camp by the river at Jingmoche (14,795ft/4,510m), a popular location among shepherds who bring their sheep, yak and dzos for grazing. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,960ft/4,560m)
We walk to the base of our next pass, Lasermo La, today. As we leave the campsite, we follow the river upstream walking amid a valley of pretty meadows with grazing yaks and dzos. An hour and a half from Jingmoche we pass the shepherd camp at Thanglasso. Continuing up the valley we get higher and higher and we finally reach the campsite in the afternoon, set below the Lasermo Pass. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,240ft/4,950m)
We spend the day exploring the area around camp with various optional walks available. We can take a packed lunch and ascend the valley across from our camp up to a series of lakes. It is about 1.5 hours to the first small lake. It is about another 45minutes to the second lake. We are now surrounded by unnamed and unclimbed peaks. We can either descend back to camp or there is a rocky trail which climbs to a third small glacial lake (16,700ft / 5,090m) if you’d like to explore further. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,240ft/4,950m)
We have a challenging day as we cross the Lasermo La pass. We need to carry our Yaktrax/Microspikes for the last part of the pass which is on glacial moraine. We aim for the highest pass on the trek. Leaving the Nubra Valley with an early start, we begin our climb ascending on an easy path up the valley. It takes about 3-4 hours to the bottom of the glacier, where we put on our microspikes for the last hour to the top of the pass. The Lasermo La is 17,715ft (5,400m) and from the prayer flags at the top the view takes in the spectacular Karakoram mountains in one direction and the Ladakh range on the other. From the top the first part of the descent is steep at first and then after an hour the descent eases off to a more gradual descent to a high camp at Morubuk, a small area of green pasture. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,076ft/4,900m)
An easy last day after the exertions of the pass. We have an easy and wonderful walk down the valley today. We may have to cross the river several times as the trail goes from the left to the right hand side of the valley. Ahead the Stok range of mountains appears. Halfway we pass Phyang Sumdo and continue on down the valley until the large, spread out village of Phyang appears below us. Our camp tonight is on a grassy patch at the top of the village. We will reach camp by lunchtime and in the afternoon there is time to explore the village. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,123ft/4,000m)
Our cars will drive to camp this morning and we drive to the monastery which towers above the valley. It is a one-hour drive back to Leh, arriving late morning to the comforts of a hot shower in our hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxing and reflecting on the last week or last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars. The energetic can walk to the Shanti Stup or to Leh palace above the town. Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
We fly from Leh to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing in Delhi. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Your journey in India completes after check-out from the hotel. Free departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about joining our five-day post-trip extension taking in the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This extension can also be done before the tour.
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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