Day 1: Hello Leh — Breathing the Thin Air
Hi everyone! Today I landed at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh — one of the highest airports in the world.
The moment I stepped out, the crisp mountain air hit me — and so did the altitude! Mauzee Holiday’s driver was already waiting with a warm smile and a bottle of water (a small but thoughtful thing).
Tip: Day 1 is all about acclimatization. I checked into my cozy hotel with views of Stok Kangri peak, sipped ginger tea, and did nothing except stroll to Leh market.
I bought a cute prayer flag for my bike back home. It felt surreal to see monks, backpackers, bikers — everyone so calm and happy here.
Day 2: Exploring Leh Town — Monasteries, Palaces & Momos
Feeling much better today! After a hearty breakfast, my guide from Mauzee Holiday took me to Leh Palace — the views of the entire town with the snow mountains in the background are breathtaking.
We visited Shanti Stupa, spun the prayer wheels, and soaked in the peace.
I stopped at a local café for momos and butter tea (an acquired taste, trust me!). The guide shared stories about Ladakh’s history and how winters can be -30°C here.
Small Thing I Loved: The smell of incense in monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis. I bought a small bundle to take the fragrance home.
Day 3: Magnetic Hill & Sangam — Where Gravity Plays Tricks
Road trip day! We drove towards Magnetic Hill. It’s this quirky spot where your car seems to roll uphill on its own — the science behind it is a visual illusion, but it’s so much fun.
Next, we reached Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. One side is greenish-blue, the other brownish — so stunning!
We even watched a few brave souls rafting. I dipped my hands in the icy water — it’s freezing even in summer.
Travel Tip: Always carry a thermos of hot tea. Mauzee’s driver did, and I can’t tell you how comforting it was!
Day 4: Khardung La & Nubra Valley — Riding Through the Clouds
This was the day I’d been waiting for: crossing Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads.
At 18,380 ft, I felt on top of the world — literally! The fluttering prayer flags, bikers posing for photos, and the bone-chilling wind made it unforgettable.
By afternoon, we descended into Nubra Valley — a sudden shift in landscape, from snow to sand dunes!
I took a short camel ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels — they’re so adorable.
Little Memory: Sipping chai at a tiny roadside stall, chatting with the local uncle who told me how they survive winters here.
Day 5: Diskit Monastery & Hunder Sand Dunes
Woke up to birdsong in Nubra Valley. We visited Diskit Monastery — the giant Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley is so calming.
I sat there for a while, just breathing.
In the evening, I walked barefoot on the Hunder sand dunes. The sunset painted the sky in pinks and purples — Ladakh’s simple beauty is magical.
Day 6: Pangong Lake — That Iconic Blue
We drove through Chang La Pass to reach the famous Pangong Lake. I’ve seen it in movies like 3 Idiots, but in real life, it’s unreal — different shades of blue and the mountains reflecting on the surface.
I stayed overnight in a camp. There was a bonfire, stories, stargazing — and the cold!
Mauzee Holiday arranged extra blankets and hot soup, so I was cozy even at 14,000 ft.
Tiny Detail: The lake’s colors change every hour. I couldn’t stop taking photos!
Day 7: Back to Leh — One Last Walk Through the Market
Time to head back to Leh. I felt emotional — this place gets under your skin. Back in town, I spent my last evening walking through the old bazaar, picking up Ladakhi souvenirs — pashmina shawls, apricots, and prayer wheels.
What to Pack for Ladakh
Packing for Ladakh is an adventure in itself! This high-altitude desert can be warm during the day and freezing at night — even in summer.
Here’s what I packed (and you should too!):
Layered clothing: Thermal wear, fleece jackets, windproof outerwear.
Good walking shoes: For monasteries, trails, and uneven roads.
Sunscreen & lip balm: Ladakh’s sun is harsh at high altitudes.
Sunglasses & hat: To protect your eyes and face from strong UV rays.
Reusable water bottle & snacks: Staying hydrated is key.
Basic medicines: Headache, altitude sickness, motion sickness.
Power bank & extra batteries: Many areas have limited electricity.
Health & Altitude Tips
Ladakh’s beauty comes with a challenge: high altitude.
Here’s how I stayed safe:
Acclimatize properly: Rest for at least 24–48 hours in Leh before heading to higher places.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water but avoid alcohol for the first 1–2 days.
Go slow: Don’t rush up stairs or steep paths — your body needs time to adjust.
Eat light & warm food: Local soups, momos, and butter tea really help!
Carry oxygen cylinders if needed: Mauzee Holiday arranged this for us — a great relief if you feel breathless.
Unique Experiences in Ladakh
Beyond the usual sightseeing, Ladakh is full of magical, lesser-known moments:Stay with a Ladakhi family: Learn how locals live, cook, and farm in remote villages like Turtuk or Hemis Shukpachan.
Attend a local festival: If you’re lucky, time your visit with Hemis Festival or the Ladakh Festival — a burst of music, dance, and colourful masks!
Try stargazing: Ladakh’s night skies are crystal clear — I spotted the Milky Way for the first time here.
Spot wildlife: Keep an eye out for Himalayan marmots, blue sheep, and if you’re really lucky — the elusive snow leopard (in winter).