Leh Ladakh in December (2026)

Pangong Tso Lake

The 134km-long saltwater lake at 4,350m changes colour through 7 shades of blue through the day. Stay overnight at a tented camp on the shore — the stargazing at this altitude is extraordinary.

Khardung La Pass

Drive to 5,359m — one of the world's highest motorable roads. The views of the Karakoram Range and Nubra Valley are incomprehensible. Acclimatise 2 days in Leh first.

Thiksey Monastery at Dawn

12 storeys of red-and-white monk cells on a hilltop — the morning puja (prayer ceremony) at 6am with the monks chanting against a sunrise backdrop is one of India's great experiences.

Nubra Valley Bactrian Camels

Double-humped camels on sand dunes between 6,000m glacier peaks — the most surreal landscape in India. The dunes at Hunder exist because the Shyok River once carried Himalayan sand here.

Hemis Festival

The largest monastery festival in Ladakh (June/July) — masked Cham dances by monks in elaborate costumes. The most dramatic Buddhist festival in India.

Shanti Stupa at Sunrise

The Japanese-funded white dome that crowns the Chanspa hill above Leh was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1991 and remains the most dramatically situated viewpoint in the city — the entire Leh Valley, the Indus River thread, and a ring of 5,000–6,000m peaks are all visible from the 521-step summit at 4,267m. Arrive at 6am before the altitude-induced headaches and the tourist coaches.