Nubra Valley: Peaks, Passes & Remote Monasteries — 18 Days
Trek from Leh across the Khardung La into a remote high valley, climb two non-technical glaciated peaks, and return via the Lasermo La pass with views of three mountain ranges.
The Nubra Valley, lying north of Leh beyond the Khardung La at 5370 meters, remains one of the least visited regions of the Indian Himalaya. Set in the shadow of Saser Kangri in the Eastern Karakoram, the valley is warmer and more fertile than the surrounding Indus Valley and retains traditional trade routes across high passes to Xinjiang. This 18-day itinerary begins with acclimatization in Leh, visits the 14th-century Diskit Monastery, and includes a trek into the isolated Palzampiu Valley. From a high camp at 5150 meters, participants ascend two non-technical glaciated peaks—Samgyal Peak (5814m) and Dawa Peak (5900m)—each offering unobstructed views of the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Ladakh ranges. The return crosses the Lasermo La at 5400 meters before descending to Phyang Monastery and returning to Leh. The trek follows seldom-used trails through rugged gorges and isolated villages, passing through high summer pastures where shepherds still graze their yaks and dzos in traditional patterns.
Highlights
- Monasteries and palaces of Leh, including Tsemo (1430), Sankar Gompa (16th century), and Shey and Thikse complexes with views across the Indus Valley
- Khardung La pass at 5370 meters, one of the world's highest road passes, with panoramic views of the Indus Valley, Zanskar Range, and Eastern Karakoram
- Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley, a 14th-century site with white-painted buildings overlooking agricultural terraces
- Bactrian camels at Hundar, indigenous to Central Asian steppes and present in the valley due to historical Silk Road caravan routes
- Ascent of Samgyal Peak (5814m) via low-angle glacier, non-technical and suitable for trekkers with mountaineering experience
- Ascent of Dawa Peak (5900m), a second non-technical glaciated summit with routes across moraine and snow
- Thanglasgo Valley trek through flower-filled meadows and summer pastureland used by shepherds for seasonal grazing
- Lasermo La pass at 5400–5470 meters, crossing the Ladakh Range with views of Stok Kangri and the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges
- Phyang Monastery, a historic site visited during the descent to the roadhead
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · a hotel in Delhi
The group assembles at a hotel in Delhi. Airport transfers are provided for arriving participants. Following lunch and an afternoon at leisure, the guide joins the group for dinner and provides an informal briefing on the itinerary ahead.
2Flight to Leh and AcclimatizationLeh · Delhi to Leh · group hotel · colourful bazaars and roadside stalls
An early morning flight from Delhi to Leh offers spectacular aerial views across the Himalayas, notably the 7000-metre peaks of Nun and Kun. On arrival, we transfer to the group hotel. Leh, known as Little Tibet, sits at 3500 metres elevation beneath an imposing old fort and palace. Buddhist monasteries and stupas perch on cliffs and ridges overlooking the Ladakhi capital. At this altitude, it is important to take things easy and allow for gentle acclimatisation. The afternoon is free: those who wish to stretch their legs will find the colourful bazaars and roadside stalls make for a relaxed exploration of town.
3Monasteries at Shey and ThikseShey · Shey and Thikse · Thikse
A full day of sightseeing aids acclimatization. The Buddhist monasteries and palaces at Shey and Thikse, both still occupied by monks in orange robes, occupy elevated sites overlooking the fertile Indus Valley. The historic monuments are spread across dramatic ridges. Visits involve climbing long flights of stairs, which contributes to fitness and acclimatization conditioning.
4Leh's Monasteries, Stupas & PalaceShanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) · Sankar Gompa · Tsemo Monastery · Leh Palace · old town and main bazaar
Starting from the hotel in Changspa, the group walks toward the base of the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda). The ascent by foot stairs or the more gradual jeep road both offer views across Leh town and the Indus Valley. From the stupa, the route descends to Sankar Gompa, a 16th-century monastery of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The walk continues upward to Tsemo Monastery, founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal, which houses a three-story gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha. Views from this elevation extend across the valley. The trail descends in switchbacks to Leh Palace, currently under restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India, and continues downward through the old town to reach the main bazaar. Total distance is approximately 8 kilometers with 500 meters of ascent and descent over 4–5 hours.
5Khardung La Pass and Nubra ValleyKhardung La · Indus Valley · Diskit Monastery · Hundar · Hundar sand dunes
The drive ascends nearly 2000 meters to reach Khardung La, one of the world's highest road passes at 5370 meters. The ascent provides panoramic views across the Indus Valley toward the Zanskar Range, with Stok Kangri prominent among the higher peaks. The descent on the north side reveals the Eastern Karakoram ranges. After approximately 4 hours of driving, the group reaches the Nubra Valley and stops for lunch at a roadside restaurant before visiting Diskit Monastery. White-painted buildings of the 14th-century site cling to a ridge above patchwork agricultural fields. The drive continues to Hundar at 3050 meters. After checking into guesthouse accommodation, participants may visit nearby sand dunes to observe double-humped Bactrian camels, native to Central Asian steppes and historically present here due to Silk Road caravan traffic.
6Trekking to Wacham CampWacham · Hundar · Thanglasgo River · narrow gorge · Skarchen
Though a rough 4x4 road connects Hundar and Wacham, the group proceeds on foot after a short initial transfer, supporting acclimatization and fitness. The trek follows the Thanglasgo River, a tributary of the Shyok, as it flows from the Ladakh Range. Clear weather permits views of snow-capped 6000-meter peaks guarding the valley—many remain unnamed and unclimbed. Beyond a bridge, a narrow gorge is entered with gradual height gain to a plateau with abandoned shepherds' huts at Skarchen (3600m). The trek continues to Wacham near the confluence of two streams. Total distance is 8 kilometers with 750 meters of ascent and 200 meters of descent over 3–4 hours of trekking.
7Trek to Palzampiu Valley BasecampPalzampiu Valley Basecamp · Dok Yogma · Palzampiu Togpo River
After a camp breakfast served with bed tea and hot water for washing, the trek follows the river via a wooden bridge before climbing to Dok Yogma at the entrance to the Palzampiu Valley. Contouring a steep hillside, the route follows the Palzampiu Togpo River with gradual height gain toward the surrounding peaks. The trail is well-defined, used regularly by shepherds moving animals to high summer pastures. Crossing pleasant pastureland, the group reaches an open basin where basecamp is established beside a stream. Distance is 10 kilometers with 835 meters of ascent and 250 meters of descent over 5–6 hours.
8Acclimatization at Palzampiu Togpo BasecampPalzampiu Togpo Basecamp
Having gained considerable height yesterday, a second night at the same elevation is essential for proper acclimatization before ascending further. Our camp occupies an open grassy area beside the Palzampiu Togpo, with stone shelters and walled enclosures visible a short distance away. The surrounding grassland is dotted with marmot burrows—keep an eye out for these curious inhabitants. The location offers excellent options for gentle exploration and acclimatization walks with our guide, allowing you to move at an easy pace while your body continues adjusting to the altitude. Rest, hydrate, and enjoy the landscape.
9Trek to High Camp in Palzampiu ValleyPalzampiu Valley · high camp at 5150 meters near the terminal moraine of Samgyal Peak's glacier
A short but steep day of trekking approaches the objective peaks. Following the river for approximately an hour, the group turns south along a small tributary and climbs steeply across open hillside. Beyond a small top, the angle eases and the route reaches high camp at 5150 meters near the terminal moraine of Samgyal Peak's glacier. An impressive 6060-meter peak with clean rock face and rocky pillars dominates the view. Samgyal Peak, cloaked by its glacier, lies to the northeast. The camp is reached by lunchtime, leaving afternoon time for rest and summit preparation. Snow-capped peaks surround the camp; the Eastern Karakoram mountains are visible in the distance. Distance is 4 kilometers with 800 meters of ascent and 100 meters of descent over 3–4 hours.
10Samgyal Peak Ascent (5814m)Samgyal Peak · rough moraine · camp
An early start means rising hours before dawn for a simple breakfast of tea and porridge before setting off by head-torch light. There's no rush today—we take our time on the approach across rough moraine, then follow a ridge for around 2 hours until the glacier comes into view. Once there, we put on crampons and cross the low-angle glacier straightforwardly. Roping is usually unnecessary, though as the climb steepens toward the summit the guide will reassess this decision. The ascent itself is continuous but gradual, and we should reach the top roughly 5 hours after leaving camp. We spend time at the summit absorbing the early morning views before beginning our descent. The return to camp takes us back in time for lunch, leaving the afternoon free for rest and recuperation. This is a full mountain day, but the gradient remains manageable throughout.
11Contingency Day and Optional Ascent of Dawa Peak (5900m)Dawa Peak (5900m) · high camp
Designated as a contingency day in the itinerary, this period allows time for weather delays or recovery. Participants choosing to climb Dawa Peak depart early with descent to cross the stream before ascending across a scree slope for approximately 30 minutes. A more gradual climb across moraine and loose rock continues for about an hour to the glacier. The route across the glacier traverses rightward and zigzags across snow and rock to reach the summit approximately 5 hours after departure. Descent follows the same route to high camp. Dawa Peak lies on the right shoulder of the central 6060-meter rock peak visible from camp. Total ascent and descent are 850 meters each; trekking time is 7 hours, covering 6 kilometers.
12Trek Back to Thanglasgo ValleyDok Yogma · Thanglasgo River · Dok Gogma
The group retraces the route to Dok Yogma and the main valley before turning upstream beside the Thanglasgo River. Following approximately 2 hours of valley-floor trekking, the upper village of Dok Gogma (4020m) is reached, where about 20 households reside. Camp is established on a meadow beside the river. The afternoon remains free for rest and interaction with village residents; visitors are rare and arrivals receive warm reception. Total distance is 11 kilometers with 200 meters of ascent and 1330 meters of descent over 5–6 hours.
13Trek Through Flower Meadows to ThanglasgoThanglasgo · river upstream toward its source · valley head
Following the river upstream toward its source, the trek passes through scenic pastures carpeted with wildflowers. During summer months, shepherds bring sheep, yaks, and dzos (yak-cow crosses) to these high pastures; temporary summer huts appear throughout the landscape. A tradition holds that only 2–3 families from Dok Gogma watch the animals annually, occupying themselves with cheese and butter production for villagers until late August or early September before returning for the harvest season. The camp is eventually reached at a beautiful riverside spot at the valley head. Distance is 10 kilometers with 700 meters of ascent and 155 meters of descent over 5 hours.
14Trek to Camp Below Lasermo LaCamp Below Lasermo La · the river · extensive pastureland · expansive meadow
Continuing gradual ascent beside the river, the group passes additional temporary huts and pens. The valley is wide, permitting long-distance views in both directions. The Lasermo La becomes nearly visible on the high skyline ahead. The trail is well-defined, used by shepherds taking animals to high summer pastures. Crossing extensive pastureland dotted with grazing yaks and dzos, the trek proceeds beneath snow-capped peaks on both sides of the valley. The trail underfoot is mostly gentle with small undulating sections. Approaching the pass, an expansive meadow sometimes used as an acclimatization camp is crossed. With good acclimatization now achieved, the group continues across a small scree slope to reach camp. Distance is 12 kilometers with 650 meters of ascent and 140 meters of descent over 6 hours.
15Crossing Lasermo La PassLasermo La · Lasermo La pass · viewpoint above the pass · Phyang Valley
An early departure takes advantage of firm snow conditions for the pack-horses. The ascent to Lasermo La (5470m) takes 2–3 hours across scree and remnant snow patches that linger year-round on the north side of the crest. At the pass, views extend across the Karakoram and northward to the Zanskar range. An accessible viewpoint above the pass offers expanded perspective including views of Stok Kangri. From the pass, descent leads into the Phyang Valley to a camping place at 4550 meters above the village of Phyang. Total ascent and descent are 600 and 615 meters respectively; trekking time is 6–7 hours covering 12 kilometers.
16Descent to Phyang and Return to LehLeh · pastures of Morubuk · Phyang Valley · Phyang Monastery
A short and easy morning of trekking descends through pastures of Morubuk with continued views of Stok Kangri toward the roadhead in the Phyang Valley at slightly over 4000 meters elevation. Four-wheel-drive transport awaits. The group drives through Phyang village, stopping to visit the photogenic Phyang Monastery before continuing to Leh in less than an hour. Lunch is taken in Leh with the afternoon free to relax and wander. Total distance is 5 kilometers with 50 meters of ascent and 600 meters of descent over 2–3 hours.
17Return Flight to DelhiDelhi · airport · airport-accessible hotel
An early start takes the group to the airport for the flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in the capital, you'll transfer to an airport-accessible hotel. The afternoon is left open for your own pace—pursue independent sightseeing around the city, or simply settle in at the hotel to rest after your journey. Meals and accommodation are provided.
18Delhi Airport DepartureDelhi Airport
Your journey concludes after breakfast, with transfers provided to Delhi Airport. Should you wish to extend your time in India, Adventure Asia can arrange visits to Dharamsala, the Taj Mahal, or a comprehensive Golden Triangle exploration. Contact our office to discuss these options and customise your experience further.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
Included
- A professional English-speaking mountain leader
- Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Internal flights - Delhi-Leh and Leh-Delhi
- All accommodation as described
- All meals throughout the trip
- Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Delhi Airport transfers (other than on group arrival and departure days)
- Indian Visa
- Tips for trek staff
- Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Activities: Mountaineer