Compare popular Leh Ladakh itinerary combinations – Leh–Nubra–Leh in 6 days, Leh–Turtuk in 7 days, Leh–Hanle–Tso Moriri, and the Pangong–Hanle–Umling La and Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri routes – with day-by-day outlines.
Ladakh's highlights are spread across valleys that are often a full day's drive apart. The way you combine them shapes your whole trip: how much time you spend driving, how well you acclimatise and how much you see. This guide compares popular Leh Ladakh itinerary combinations, from a short Leh–Nubra loop to long eastern circuits through Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri.
All routes assume you start in Leh with at least two nights of rest before heading higher. Distances, road conditions and permit rules should be checked before you travel.
Comparing the combinations
| Combination | Days | Best for | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leh–Nubra–Leh | 6 | First trip, families | Easy–moderate |
| Leh–Turtuk (with Nubra and Pangong) | 7 | Culture and classic highlights | Moderate |
| Leh–Hanle–Tso Moriri–Leh | 7–8 | Stargazers, remote landscapes | Challenging |
| Pangong–Hanle–Umling La | 8–9 | Riders, high-altitude enthusiasts | Very challenging |
| Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri | Part of 8–10 | Eastern loop without backtracking | Very challenging |
Leh Nubra tour, 6 days
A Leh Nubra Leh package is a gentle way to see Ladakh, adding Pangong as a second highlight.
- Day 1: Arrive in Leh, rest.
- Day 2: Leh sightseeing.
- Day 3: Leh → Khardung La → Hunder.
- Day 4: Diskit Monastery → Leh (or stay a second night in Nubra).
- Day 5: Leh → Pangong → Leh (long day) or monasteries.
- Day 6: Depart Leh.
See our Nubra Valley travel guide. Tripsdoc's Leh To Leh 6 Days Group Trip page lists its current day-by-day route.
Who the 6-day Nubra plan suits
This is the gentlest of the combinations. Nubra's valley floor is lower than Leh, so the overnight there is comfortable for most travellers once they have crossed Khardung La. It works well for families with children, older travellers, and anyone visiting Ladakh for the first time who wants to see sand dunes, camels and monasteries without long, remote drives. If you want to add Pangong, consider extending to seven days and staying a night at the lake rather than doing it as a long day trip.
Leh Turtuk itinerary, 7 days
This plan adds Turtuk to the classic Nubra–Pangong loop.
- Days 1–2: Arrive and acclimatise in Leh.
- Day 3: Leh → Hunder.
- Day 4: Hunder → Turtuk (overnight in Turtuk).
- Day 5: Turtuk → Hunder or Diskit.
- Day 6: Nubra → Pangong via Shyok.
- Day 7: Pangong → Leh.
A Leh Turtuk tour package often follows a similar outline. See our Turtuk travel guide and 7-day Leh itinerary. Tripsdoc's Leh Turtuk Umlingla Leh page shows a longer route that also includes Umling La.
Leh Hanle Tso Moriri package route
This loop explores the Changthang region south-east of Leh.
- Days 1–3: Leh, acclimatisation and local sightseeing.
- Day 4: Leh → Hanle via Chumathang and Nyoma.
- Day 5: Hanle: monastery, village and stargazing.
- Day 6: Hanle → Tso Moriri.
- Day 7: Tso Moriri → Leh via Chumathang.
See our Hanle travel guide and Tso Moriri travel guide. Tripsdoc's Leh – Hanle – Umling La – Tso Moriri – Leh page lists a current version of this route, including Umling La.
What makes this loop different
The Leh–Hanle–Tso Moriri loop leaves the busier tourist routes behind. You follow the Indus deep into the Changthang plateau, stay in simple homestays, and spend your evenings under some of the darkest skies in India. In return, you accept long drives, basic facilities and nights at high altitude. It is ideal for travellers on a second visit to Ladakh or anyone more interested in landscapes, wildlife and stargazing than in famous viewpoints.
Pangong Hanle Umling La itinerary
This route uses the road south from Pangong to reach Hanle without returning to Leh.
- Days 1–3: Leh, acclimatisation.
- Day 4: Leh → Pangong.
- Day 5: Pangong → Chushul → Hanle.
- Day 6: Hanle → Umling La → Hanle.
- Day 7: Hanle → Tso Moriri or Leh.
- Day 8: Tso Moriri → Leh.
See our Pangong to Hanle route guide and Umling La travel guide. Tripsdoc's Leh Umlingla Leh 8 Days page shows a current itinerary.
Why go via Pangong rather than straight to Hanle?
Going to Hanle via Pangong breaks the journey into two days, with a night at the lake, and lets you see Chushul and the Rezang La War Memorial on the way. It avoids retracing the Indus valley road in both directions, and the night at Pangong helps with acclimatisation before Hanle and Umling La. The trade-off is a long, remote drive on the Chushul road, which depends on permits and road conditions.
Hanle Umling La Tso Moriri route
The Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri route is the core of most eastern Ladakh circuits. From Hanle, travellers make a day trip to Umling La, then drive back towards Nyoma and Mahe before turning south to Tso Moriri.
- Permits must cover Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri. See the Leh permit guide.
- Fuel is scarce; plan carefully and carry spare fuel.
- This route is at very high altitude throughout. Acclimatise fully before starting.
For riders entering via Manali, Tripsdoc's Manali Umlingla Tso Moriri Manali page shows a version that combines this route with the Manali highway.
Which combination fits your days?
| Days available | Suggested combination |
|---|---|
| 5 | Leh plus one of Nubra or Pangong |
| 6 | Leh–Nubra–Leh, with a long Pangong day or monasteries |
| 7 | Leh–Nubra–Turtuk–Pangong |
| 8 | Leh–Hanle–Tso Moriri, or Leh–Pangong–Hanle–Umling La |
| 10–11 | Nubra and Turtuk, then Pangong–Hanle–Umling La–Tso Moriri |
| 12–14 | The grand circuit below |
The Turtuk–Umling La route
Some itineraries link the far north-west of Nubra with the far south-east of Changthang in one trip: Leh → Nubra → Turtuk → Pangong via Shyok → Hanle via Chushul → Umling La → Leh. It is a long, demanding route that touches two border areas and several of Ladakh's highest roads. It suits experienced travellers with at least ten days, strong acclimatisation and flexible plans. Permits must cover every area on the route.
The grand circuit (12–14 days)
With more time, you can combine almost everything:
- Leh (3 nights) → Nubra (2 nights, with Turtuk) → Pangong via Shyok (1 night) → Hanle via Chushul (2 nights, with Umling La) → Tso Moriri (1 night) → Leh.
That is nine nights of travel plus at least three in Leh at the start and one at the end, with a buffer day or two for weather. The circuit moves from Nubra's relatively low valleys, through the lakes, to the highest roads in the south-east – a natural progression for acclimatisation. It is also a lot of time in a vehicle, so build in slower days, such as a full day at Hunder or a second night at Hanle.
See our Ladakh road trip itinerary for a route that enters from Srinagar and exits via Manali.
Altitude profile of each combination
The combinations differ a lot in how high you sleep, which matters more for comfort and safety than the highest point you drive over.
| Combination | Highest overnight stops | Acclimatisation needed |
|---|---|---|
| Leh–Nubra–Leh | Leh; Nubra is lower | Two nights in Leh before Khardung La |
| Leh–Turtuk (with Pangong) | Pangong | Two to three nights in Leh first |
| Leh–Hanle–Tso Moriri | Hanle and Tso Moriri | Three nights in Leh first |
| Pangong–Hanle–Umling La | Pangong, Hanle; Umling La as a day trip | Three nights in Leh, plus nights at Pangong and Hanle before the pass |
See our altitude and acclimatisation guide for more.
Permits for each combination
- Nubra routes: Nubra, plus Turtuk and the Shyok road if you plan to use them.
- Pangong routes: Pangong, plus Chushul if you continue south.
- Eastern routes: Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri, which may have additional or separate requirements.
Rules change, so confirm the current requirements before you finalise your route.
Combining with the Manali or Srinagar roads
If you arrive or leave by road, you can bolt these combinations onto the highways. Arriving from Srinagar adds two or three days at the start, with gradual acclimatisation. Leaving via Manali adds two or three days at the end, and opens up a detour to Tso Kar and Tso Moriri from the Manali highway. See the Srinagar to Leh travel guide and our existing Manali Leh itinerary.
How to choose
- First trip, limited time: Leh–Nubra or Leh–Nubra–Pangong.
- Culture lovers: add Turtuk and village stays.
- Stargazers: include Hanle.
- Riders seeking a challenge: Pangong–Hanle–Umling La.
- Families: stick to Nubra and Leh, with Pangong if everyone is comfortable at altitude.
Group departure or private trip?
| Group departure | Private trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Fixed | Your choice |
| Route | Set itinerary | Can be tailored and adjusted on the way |
| Pace | Set for the group | Set by you |
| Cost | Vehicle costs shared among more people | Depends on group size |
| Best for | Solo travellers and small groups who enjoy company | Families, couples and travellers with specific interests |
Whichever you choose, compare the number of nights in Leh before the first high excursion – it matters more than almost anything else in the itinerary.
Typical driving days
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Leh → Hunder | Half a day, over Khardung La |
| Hunder → Turtuk | A few hours along the Shyok |
| Hunder → Pangong via Shyok | A full day, remote with water crossings |
| Leh → Pangong | Most of a day, over Chang La |
| Pangong → Hanle | A full, remote day via Chushul |
| Leh → Hanle | A full day along the Indus |
| Hanle → Tso Moriri | Most of a day |
Times vary with road conditions, stops and checkpoints. Avoid planning two full-day drives back to back without a rest day in between.
Planning tips
- Always start with two or three nights in Leh.
- Avoid back-to-back high passes on consecutive days if possible.
- Keep a buffer day for road closures.
- Check permits for every area on your route.
Book with Tripsdoc
Browse all Leh Ladakh tour packages for current routes, dates and inclusions, or contact Tripsdoc to build a combination that suits your time and interests.
Final thoughts
The best Ladakh itinerary is the one that fits your time, comfort and curiosity – not the one that squeezes in the most places. Start with acclimatisation, pick a combination that matches your experience, and leave room to enjoy the places in between.
Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons): Ingo Mehling (CC BY-SA 3.0), KennyOMG (CC BY-SA 4.0), Rupak Sarkar (CC BY-SA 4.0), Deepank Ranka (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Frequently Asked Questions
A Leh–Nubra–Pangong route over six or seven days is the most common first trip. It covers the classic highlights with time to acclimatise.
Eastern Ladakh circuits that include Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri suit travellers who have been to Ladakh before or are comfortable with long drives, basic stays and very high altitudes.
Yes. With around 12–14 days you can link Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong, Hanle, Umling La and Tso Moriri. Build in rest and buffer days.