Leh is the largest city in Ladakh and is the perfect place to explore this area. We start the trip once you’ve arrived with a visit to the Tsemo Hill for Leh Palace, the royal home from the 17th century. Up above 4,200m from sea level is Shanti Stupa, a place that gives the unmatched panoramic view of Leh with the snow capped mountains in the horizon. As we head back down to your hotel, we’ll stop at Leh Market to get your needs or souvenirs you want to bring home. We proceed on the second day with a full-day excursion to monasteries, starting with the Hemis Gompa where the popular local festival, Hemis Tsechu is annually held. The Thiksey Monastery , one of the largest monasteries in central Ladakh, has architecture that reminds us of Potala Palace in Tibet and has the largest Lord Buddha statue in the region at 49 ft tall. We’ll also visit Shey Palace that houses a large statue of Lord Buddha in its monastery, and to the iconic 3 Idiots Rancho School where you can tour inside the campus. Then to Sindhu Ghat that’s located near the monastery on the river bank of the Indus river. For half a day, we’ll ride up the Khardung La, the highest drivable road in the world, to enjoy the incredible views of Zanskar Range and Saser Massif that can’t be matched elsewhere. The next day, we’ll ride through another one of the highest roads, Changla Pass, through Sakti Village, to Pangong Lake. Also known as Pangong Tso, it is the highest saltwater lake in the world and famous for the incredible view thanks to the success of 3 Idiots. We’ll also enjoy a full-day excursion to Sham Valley and start with a visit to the Hall of Fame where we’ll learn about the Indo-Pak wars and the sacrifices that were made. We’ll also stop at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib that was believed to be where the founder of Sikh, Guru Nanak, vanquished a demon. Drive through the Magnetic Hill where cars roll up instead of down the hill before we enter the Nimmu Valley to see the Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River. We’ll visit the Spituk Monastery next which has the best view of Indus and the oldest building can be dated back to the 11th century. The Alchi Monastery is actually a home to several Buddhist shrines, many of them ancient as this is the place that was said to be established by the legendary translator Rinchen Zangpo. We’ll also visit Likir Monastery in Saspol and then the gorgeous Lamayuru Monastery where over 150 monks live. Head home with some of the best memories from Leh!