Kashmir-Ladakh Overland: 14-Day Trans-Himalayan Expedition
Tour Overview
Embark on the ultimate high-altitude road odyssey with Travel Astu, your expert architect of long-duration Trans-Himalayan expeditions. This "Kashmir-Ladakh Overland" program by Astu is a masterfully choreographed 14-day private expedition traversing the dramatic transition from the lush valleys of Kashmir to the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has engineered this comprehensive 14-day immersive itinerary to ensure seamless movement across the legendary Zoji La and Taglang La passes while providing deep cultural immersion.
Your private mountain sanctuary with Astu Travel is defined by elite logistics and expert guidance. You will navigate this epic 1,000-kilometer circuit in a premium private SUV (Innova) or Tempo Traveller, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide and a dedicated support team. From the floating markets of Dal Lake to the nomadic settlements of the Changthang plateau, every detail is managed for your safety and comfort. With Astu, your overland saga is a professionally managed pursuit of the world's most spectacular landscapes.
Day by day itinerary
Arrive at Srinagar Airport. A Travel Astu representative will transfer you to a luxury Houseboat on Dal Lake. Explore the floating community, Mughal Gardens, and the Shankaracharya Temple.
Highlights: Dal Lake, Shikara Ride, House Boat, Srinagar Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple
Accommodation: Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 5,200 ft/ 1,580 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 17.4 kms/ 11 miles (40 minutes)
A full-day excursion to Pahalgam. Explore the Betaab and Aru Valleys, follow the Lidder River, and enjoy a pony ride through the meadows. Return to Srinagar by evening.
Highlights: Palagham, River Lidder , Betaab Vallet, Aru valley, Pony Ride
Accommodation: Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 5,200 ft/ 1,580 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 92 kms/ 57miles (2:40 minutes)
Visit Gulmarg, home to the world’s second-highest Gondola ride. Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and leisurely walks across the meadows before returning to the lake.
Highlights: Gulmarg, Gondola Ride
Accommodation: Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 5,200 ft/ 1,580 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 51 kms / 32 miles (2 hrs)
Cross the dramatic Zoji La Pass. En route, stop at Drass (the second coldest inhabited place) and pay respects at the Kargil War Memorial before reaching Kargil town.
Visit the ancient Mulbek Chamba (rock-carved Buddha) and the "Moonland" Lamayuru Monastery. End the day at the serene riverside camps of Uletokpo.
Highlights: Mulbek Chamba, Lamayuru Monastery, Uletokpo
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 9,000 ft/ 2,743 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 148 kms/ 92 miles (5 hrs)
Deep-dive into the 11th-century frescoes of Alchi Monastery. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Alchi Kitchen and visit the secluded Resdzong Monastery.
Highlights: Alchi Monastery, Alchi Kitchen, Resdzong Monastery
Accommodation: Resiort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 9,000 ft/ 2,743 m
Road condition: Good
Cross Khardung La (18,379 ft). Visit the Samstanling Monastery in Sumur village as you enter the high-altitude desert of Nubra.
Highlights: Khardung La Pass, Samsamsthanling Monastery, Nubra Valley
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 10,000 ft to 11,000 ft/ 3,048 m to 3,353 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 188 kms/ 117 miles (6:40 hrs)
Visit the 100-foot Maitreya Buddha and the 14th-century Diskit Gompa. In the afternoon, enjoy a Bactrian Camel Safari amidst the Hunder sand dunes.
Highlights: 100-foot Buddha Statue, Diskit Monastery, Sand Dunes, Bactrian camels
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 10,000 ft to 11,000 ft/ 3,048 m to 3,353 m
Road condition: Good
Journey to the quiet village of Sakti. Visit the Thaktok Monastery, the only one in Ladakh built inside a cave face, dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava.
Highlights: Sakti Village, Thaktok Monastery and Guru Padmasambhava Cave
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 10,000 ft/3,048 m
Road condition: Good
Distance/Time: 120 kms/ 75 miles (5 hrs)
Follow the Indus River to the high plateau. Stop at Chumathang Hot Springs and the serene Kyagar Tso before reaching the blue expanse of Tsomoriri Lake.
Highlights: Chumathang Hot Springs, Kyagar Tso, Tsomoriri lake
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 14,800 ft/ 4,520 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 180 kms/ 112 miles (6:10 hrs)
Cross Taglang La. Encounter Changpa nomadic settlements, see Yaks in their natural habitat, and visit the salt-crusted Tsokar Lake before returning to Leh.
Highlights: Nomadic Settlements, Yaks, Tanglang La Pass, Puma Hot Springs, Tsokar Lake, Leh
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 11,500 ft/ 3,505 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 233 kms/ 145 miles (6 hours)
A cultural day featuring a Heritage Walk in Leh’s old town. Visit Leh Palace, the Central Asian Museum, and conclude with a sunset at Shanti Stupa.
Highlights: Heritage Walk, Central Asian Museum, Leh Market, Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa
Accommodation: Resort/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Transfer: Innova / Tempo Traveller
Altitude: 11,500 ft/ 3,505 m
Road condition: Good
Distance / Time: 40 kms/ 25 miles (1:20 hrs)
Spend a relaxed day for last-minute shopping at the Leh Market or visit the Sankar Monastery for spiritual reflection before your departure.
Overnight: Leh
After breakfast, your private Travel Astu vehicle will provide a seamless transfer to the Leh Airport for your flight to Delhi or your onward destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Travel Astu (also known as Astu) includes all Inner Line Permits (ILP) for restricted zones and all Monument/Monastery Entry Fees. Your guide handles the paperwork so you can focus on the experience.
Travel Astu Pvt Ltd provides Premium Private SUVs (Innova) or Tempo Travellers for larger groups. All vehicles are mountain-certified and equipped with Emergency Oxygen Cylinders and first-aid kits.
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the journey. They provide deep cultural insights, assist with local interactions, and ensure all logistics are handled smoothly.
With Astu Travel, your package includes Breakfast and Dinner daily at your accommodations. For lunches, your guide will suggest authentic local spots like Alchi Kitchen to experience regional flavors.
The itinerary is engineered for gradual acclimatization, starting at 5,200 ft in Srinagar and slowly building up to the higher reaches of Leh and Tsomoriri. We provide 24/7 medical monitoring through our trained crew.
