A shikara on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2025 winner

Road Journey

Essence of Kashmir and Ladakh

Starting from Srinagar Kargil Sham Valley Leh Khardungla Top

8 Nights / 9 Days in Ladakh - Starting from Srinagar, Kargil, Sham Valley, Leh

★★★★★ 4.7 (85 Tripadvisor reviews)

₹35,018 per person, Standard category at 12 pax. Price falls as the group grows.

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Duration8 Nights / 9 Days

RegionLadakh

SeasonPrices valid from 15th April 2026 to 15th October 2026

StartsArrive at Srinagar + Half Da

Itinerary

Day	Location	Activity	Sector
Day 1	Arrive at Srinagar + Half Day Sightseeing (If Time Permits)	Arrive at Srinagar airport & transfer to hotel. Post lunch, proceed for sightseeing trip to Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan, brother-in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD & Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife, Empress Noor Jahan. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Later pay a visit to the famous Shankaracharya Temple. Dinner & overnight stay in Srinagar Hotel / Houseboat.
Day 2	Srinagar to Kargil (via Sonmarg) - 204 Kms / 6 to 7 Hour One Way	Post breakfast we drive to Leh via Sonmarg also known as Meadow of Gold. In Sonmarg, one can take a pony ride (at additional cost) to Thajwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Further we drive towards Kargil enroute crossing Drass Village (The 2nd coldest inhabited place in the world) and have a magnificent view of famous Kargil War Peaks viz. Tiger Hill & Tololing. Later pay tribute to Vijay Smarak (The War Memorial) located right on the highway at the base of Tololing. After reaching Kargil, we check in at our hotel for dinner & overnight stay.
Day 3	Kargil to Leh (via Lamayuru)	Post breakfast we drive to Leh enroute visiting Lamayuru, which belongs to Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat). After visiting the Monastery, we continue our drive along the River Indus to Uletokpo visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. Later visit the famous Sangam Point which is the confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers just after 4 km from Nimmu and drive further to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is pa
Day 4	IN Leh	Morning at leisure to explore the destination on your own & evening visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market. Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.
Day 5	Leh-Nubra Valley via Khardung La 18,390 Ft.	Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (Second Highest Motorable Road in The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea lev	120 km / 4 - 5 hrs
Day 6	In Nubra - Excursion to Turtuk (0 Point & Thang Village)	After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk (A village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan) and extremely close to the border. Places to visit here comprises of a 16th Century Mosque, (comprising of a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture), ruined fort of Dhards and a Monastery. You can also admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 peak (The second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). Later back to Hunder for dinner & overnight stay.
Day 7	Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake	After an early breakfast, we check out and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian Camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Next stop will be at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards the majestic Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journ	150 km / 5 hrs
Day 8	Pangong Lake to Leh via Changla	Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake which is famously known to show upto 5 shades of blue depending upon the time and location of the viewer. Later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. And futher to Thiksey, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 Kms driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh for dinner & overnight stay	140 km / 6 hrs
Day 9	Depart Leh (Fly Out)	Tour concludes Through a punctual transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.

Arrive at Srinagar airport & transfer to hotel. Post lunch, proceed for sightseeing trip to Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan, brother-in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD & Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife, Empress Noor Jahan. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Later pay a visit to the famous Shankaracharya Temple. Dinner & overnight stay in Srinagar Hotel / Houseboat.

Post breakfast we drive to Leh via Sonmarg also known as Meadow of Gold. In Sonmarg, one can take a pony ride (at additional cost) to Thajwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Further we drive towards Kargil enroute crossing Drass Village (The 2nd coldest inhabited place in the world) and have a magnificent view of famous Kargil War Peaks viz. Tiger Hill & Tololing. Later pay tribute to Vijay Smarak (The War Memorial) located right on the highway at the base of Tololing. After reaching Kargil, we check in at our hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Post breakfast we drive to Leh enroute visiting Lamayuru, which belongs to Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat). After visiting the Monastery, we continue our drive along the River Indus to Uletokpo visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. Later visit the famous Sangam Point which is the confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers just after 4 km from Nimmu and drive further to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is pa

Morning at leisure to explore the destination on your own & evening visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market. Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.

Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (Second Highest Motorable Road in The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea lev

Sector: 120 km / 4 - 5 hrs

After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk (A village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan) and extremely close to the border. Places to visit here comprises of a 16th Century Mosque, (comprising of a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture), ruined fort of Dhards and a Monastery. You can also admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 peak (The second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). Later back to Hunder for dinner & overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we check out and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian Camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Next stop will be at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards the majestic Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journ

Sector: 150 km / 5 hrs

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake which is famously known to show upto 5 shades of blue depending upon the time and location of the viewer. Later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. And futher to Thiksey, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 Kms driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh for dinner & overnight stay

Sector: 140 km / 6 hrs

Tour concludes Through a punctual transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.

Sequence may vary subject to weather and helipad availability. Your representative will brief you on Day 1.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

✓ Pick up from Srinagar airport
✓ 08 Nights’ Accommodation on twin/double/triple sharing basis as per the Itinerary
✓ Meal Plan: 08 Breakfast + 08 Dinner
✓ Return airport and round-trip transfers along with all sightseeing tours by Non-Ac Vehicle (Pick up Srinagar airport & drop at Leh Airport)
✓ All toll taxes/Parking fee/Driver allowance
✓ Wild Life fee & Red Cross fee

Not Included

· Any Airfare or Service tax (5%)
· Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
· Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions head
· The Services of Vehicle are not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary
· Guide fee, Camera fee & any monument entrance fee

Accommodation by Stop

Night	Location	Property	Category
Night 1	Leh	The Himalaya / Kangsing / Mahey Retreat / Shankar Residency or similar	3-star
Night 2	Nubra Valley	Laa Rabsal Resort / Hotel Nubra Delight / Nubra Delight Camp / Nubra Vista Camp or similar or similar	3-star
Night 3	Pangong Lake	Pangong Delight Camp / P3 Camp / Tso Camp (lukung) / Ladakh Summer Camp or similar or similar	3-star
Night 4	Sham Valley	Namra Hotel (Deluxe) / Alchi Resort / Grand Moon Land or similar or similar	3-star
Night 5	Tsomoriri Lake	Nomad Camp / Tsomoriri Inn or similar or similar	3-star
Night 6	Kargil	Hotel Siachen / Hotel Jan Palace or similar or similar	3-star
Night 7	Srinagar	Hotel City Grace or Similar or similar	3-star
Night 8	Jispa	Camp Gemur Holidays / Camp Himalayan Spirit or similar	3-star
Night 9	Manali	Jupiter Hotel or similar or similar	3-star
Night 10	Katra	Hotel Varun or similar or similar	3-star

Exact property subject to availability. Equivalent category always maintained. Attached washrooms, hot water, and heating guaranteed at all altitude stops.

Pilgrim Reviews

★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 from 85 verified Tripadvisor reviews

"Do Dham Yatra by helicopter - everything organised properly"

Excellent team of professionals at Saffron Chariot. Highly reliable and committed service. We were a team of 8 persons with four above 80 years old, and availed Do Dham Yatra by helicopter. Everything was organised properly. Hotel booking was in 3-star properties at very good locations. Every location contact person was very helpful and committed. Mr Rajkumar was our contact person and he helped us throughout our trip. Highly recommended.

DP M

Bengaluru, India · Apr 2026

Verified on TripAdvisor

Do Dham by Helicopter

"Kedarnath and Badrinath family trip - everything well planned"

We are very much satisfied and happy with Saffron Chariot. They organized an excellent travel plan for us from Delhi to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Everything was well planned and authentic. Our group of 12 members enjoyed the trip immensely. The tempo traveller provided was good and comfortable. The hotels were of good quality, and the meals were tasty. Special arrangements at the Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham premises allowed us to visit the mandirs 3-4 times during our one-night stay, which was a highlight. While we faced some water issues at Sonprayag and Badrinath, the support was exemplary - available 24/7 and promptly answering our calls. Our planner, Ravi, was very disciplined and supportive. Highly recommend their services for a well-organized pilgrimage.

Verified Traveller

May 2024

Verified on TripAdvisor

Kedarnath & Badrinath

"Arranged from the UK - an outstanding Char Dham Yatra"

Right from planning to booking and organising, and ending it all on a good note - Saffron Chariot has been outstanding. I arranged this trip from the UK after doing a little research and it turned out to be a very successful Char Dham Yatra. Our travel consultant Shrushti was super in responding and arranging places of our choice. She was courteous, professional and very keen to help. The car was in very good condition and comfortable, and our driver was very experienced and accommodating.

Sanju Baba

Jun 2023

Verified on TripAdvisor

Char Dham Yatra

"Hassle-free, amazing family trip"

Really appreciate your help in planning the trip and staying in touch throughout the tour. It was a hassle-free, amazing trip for me and my family. Many thanks once again - looking forward to many such trips with your team.

Sandeep B

May 2024

Verified on TripAdvisor

"Well organised and very affordable"

Absolutely well organised trip and much affordable rates. All the hotels arranged were the best property. Driver and the cab were the best.

OnAir

Nov 2023

Verified on TripAdvisor

Kedarnath

Pricing - per person (₹)

Prices are per person and fall as the group grows, because the vehicle cost is shared. Pick your group size along the top, then read down to the hotel category you want.

From ₹13,201 per person

Hotel category	02 Pax Scorpio / Innova	04 Pax Scorpio / Innova	06 Pax Scorpio / Innova	08 Pax Tempo Traveller	10 Pax Tempo Traveller	12 Pax Tempo Traveller
Standard	₹73,706	₹48,672	₹40,327	₹40,709	₹37,295	₹35,018
Deluxe	₹80,821	₹54,361	₹45,541	₹44,972	₹41,558	₹39,281
Super Deluxe	₹84,643	₹58,183	₹49,363	₹48,794	₹45,380	₹43,103
Semi-Luxury	₹90,450	₹63,990	₹55,170	₹54,600	₹51,186	₹48,910
Luxury	₹97,873	₹71,413	₹62,593	₹62,024	₹58,610	₹56,333
Premium	₹1,30,434	₹1,03,974	₹95,154	₹94,584	₹91,170	₹88,894
Premium Plus	₹1,56,747	₹1,30,287	₹1,21,467	₹1,20,897	₹1,17,483	₹1,15,207

Child and extra-bed rates

Hotel category	Extra Bed (09 yrs & above)	Extra CNB (06-09 yrs)
Standard	₹19,463	₹13,201
Deluxe	₹22,874	₹15,333
Super Deluxe	₹25,931	₹17,244
Semi-Luxury	₹30,576	₹20,147
Luxury	₹35,707	₹23,859
Premium	₹55,309	₹38,595
Premium Plus	₹68,796	₹45,468

About the Luxury category: LEH (LUXURY): HOTEL SINGGE PALACE, LADAKH RESIDENCY & THE PAL (PURE VEG) (Semi-luxury category accommodation options will be used at rest of the places.)

Good to know

Prices valid from 15th April 2026 to 15th October 2026.
Prices are per person and assume the group size shown in the column heading.
Ladakh is above 3,000 m throughout. Day 1 is a rest and acclimatisation day on every itinerary, and it is not optional.
Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong and Hanle are arranged by us; carry original photo ID.
Road access over the high passes is subject to weather and regulatory clearance.

Places you will visit

Every stop below is described in the operator's own words, taken from the itinerary document for this package.

Hall of Fame (Closed on Mondays)Day 3

An important stopover on the tourist circuit, the Hall of Fame encapsulates the essence of patriotism and displays exhibits relating the bravery of Indian soldiers and their courageous accomplishments. As you pass through the OP Vijay Gallery, which showcases weaponry that was used in the Kargil War, and see the elaborate display of the documents of the war, uniforms that are worn at the Siachen glacier and others, y

Magnetic HillDay 3

Perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, Magnetic Hill is one of the most intriguing spots in the country. This tiny hillock is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. It is quite thrilling to defy the laws of science and be pulled in the opposite direction. The scientific theory states that there is a strong magnetic force emanating from the hills that defies gravity at this particular spot. It is a g

Conflence of the ZanskarDay 3

indus river is originated from the great Himalayan ranges and Zanskar river originates from Zanskar ranges. Zanskar river is shiny blue in colour, on the other hand Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu valley from the north-east. This is a scenic view for the visitors and they find it fascinating to mark both the rivers even after their confluence

Gurudwara Pathar SahibDay 3

is a highly revered gem located 25 miles away from Leh town on Kargil Leh Highway. Devoted to Guru Nanak Devi Ji, the founder of Sikh Religion, the sacred place beautifully commemorate his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the Gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of the head, shoulders and backside of Shree Guru Nanak Dev.

On this route

Photographs from the places this itinerary passes through.

Mountains reflected in a still Himalayan lake

An alpine lake below a snow-covered peak

A shikara on Dal Lake at dusk, Srinagar, Kashmir

Dal Lake below the snow-covered mountains, Srinagar, Kashmir

Brightly painted shikaras moored on Dal Lake, Srinagar

Dal Lake on a misty morning, Srinagar, Kashmir

A traditional houseboat on the water at Srinagar, Kashmir

Swati Kumari

Senior Travel Operations & Ticketing

Experience: 10+ Years
Languages: English, Hindi

Rashmita Sharma

Travel Consultant & Itinerary Specialist

Experience: 8+ Years
Languages: Hindi, English

Ankit Saini

Tour Reservation Specialist

Experience: 7+ Years
Languages: Hindi, English

Ritika Tomar

Operations Manager

Experience: 3+ Years
Languages: Hindi, English, Garhwali

Reserve Your Seat for 2026

24-hour courtesy hold. No payment required to confirm your slot.

Selected: Essence of Kashmir and Ladakh ₹35,018 per person

24-hr courtesy hold

No advance payment

Free cancellation to 60 days

2026 Char Dham Dates Open

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Essence of Kashmir and Ladakh

Itinerary