On arrival at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also referred to as the Leh Airport (3500m/11,500ft), you will be overcome by a sense of awe and wonder. The stark contrast of the landscape when compared to the Indian and Nepal Himalayas is immediately evident. You notice the inherent chill in the air, the single-digit temperatures and the complete absence of vegetation, as well as the effort it takes to possibly walk up or downstairs due to the lower percentage of oxygen in the air.

When you exit the airport, look out for the ADVENTURE PULSE BANNER (that’s us, by the way), which will be your ride to our hotel. The first day is spent just resting in and around the hotel so that you allow yourself to acclimatize to the environment and the high altitude. In the evening, we will go for a small walk to Leh Market, where if you like, you can explore the local culture, purchase souvenirs, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Most of you will be flying in to Leh and as it is located at over 11,500ft , acclimatizing is extremely important. The second day in Leh is spent resting and casually exploring the beautiful town and the Leh Market, which is the heart of the city. Breakfast will be served at the hotel itself. We’ll be happy to direct you to famous restaurants in Leh so you can head out for a scrumptious lunch.

In the evening, we’ll walk up to the mesmerizing Shanti Stupa where you can get a view of the entire city at sunset with panoramic views of the valley. Shanti Stupa is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Leh. This short hike where you climb 555 steps to the Stupa helps in the acclimatization process as we follow the maxim of climbing high and sleeping low.

• Maximum Elevation: 4000m / 13,123 ft
• Trek Distance: 1-2 km
• Trekking Time: 1 hour

We depart from Leh after breakfast, on a scenic 2-hour drive, passing through the unique landscape of Ladakh, with views of the Stok and Zanskar ranges along the way to Phyang. After a quick pitstop at the absolutely gorgeous Phyang Monastery which stands at the head of the valley we’ll trek up, we drive forward towards our campsite at the small high altitude hamlet of Morobuk.

Today, we won’t be trekking but will undertake a small acclimatization walk, where we’ll hike up about 75m to a small ridge near the campsite for stunning views of the Stok range at dusk!

• Maximum Elevation: 4600m / 15,100 ft
• Trek Distance: 8-9 km
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Continuing from Morobuk, the trek takes us along the Phyang Nala (stream) to our second campsite of ‘Sumzom’ (which means the intersection of 3 valleys in local dialect.)

With the Stok Range as the backdrop we move towards the pass gaining an elevation of approximately 600 meters. Sumzom is part of several grazing grounds used by local villagers for their livestock during summer months. The trail traverses rocky terrains and sparse vegetation, dropping down to the riverbed a few times, and offers expansive views of the valley, isolated settlements and distant snow-capped peaks.

• Maximum Elevation: 4950m / 15,900 ft
• Trek Distance: 6-7 km
• Trekking Time: 4 hours

Today’s trek takes you from Sumzom to the South Base Camp of Lasermo La, situated at approximately 4,950 meters. While the distance is moderate, the high altitude, nearly touching 5000m, and rugged terrain still makes this a demanding day. Expect a mix of rocky trails, sandy patches, and the occasional river crossing. The ascent is gradual but can feel strenuous due to the thinning air.

As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic. Vegetation gives way to open alpine terrain, framed by jagged ridgelines and distant glaciers. From both the trail and the campsite, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley you ascended and the high Himalayan ranges surrounding the pass.

• Maximum Elevation: 5450m / 17,850 ft
• Trek Distance: 14 km
• Trekking Time: 9 hours

On this day, you’ll make a challenging ascent to the Lasermo La (La means pass), the highest point of the trek at 5400 meters. You’ll begin by climbing over a gradual incline before a steep 2-3 hour ascent over moraine to reach the pass. Given you’re above 5000m means you’ll need to pace yourself carefully and take regular breaks.

Arriving at the pass is a truly rewarding moment, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers, peaks, and valleys.

After taking some time to enjoy the achievement with prayer flags quietly fluttering around you, it’s time to begin your descent towards the North Base of Lasermo La. The terrain during the descent involves an hour+ over a glacier followed by an hour over rocky glacial moraine, and before you gradually descned towards stunningly green pastures and a campsite set on the river bank.

This remote spot allows you to immerse yourself in the contrasting landscape of the Nubra valley and is beautiful spot to set up camp, offering solitude to reflect on the long pass crossing!

• Descend to: 4400m / 14,450 ft
• Trek Distance: 18 km
• Trekking Time: 8 hours

On Day 7, you will descend from the North Base of Lasermo La to the campsite Hunder Dok, which is situated at around 4350-4400 meters. The terrain now completely shifts as we criss-cross over glacial streams, a few small and some massive.

As we gradually move downwards, the green riverbanks are contrasted superbly by the hues of brown mountains all around. The descent will allow you to gradually make your way into the main Nubra Valley with signs vegetation accompanying little marmots and yaks grazing.

Hunder Dok is one of the most peaceful and jaw-dropping campsites we have ever visited with immaculate views of towering 6000m+ peaks like Samgyal Kangri right in front.

• Descend to: 3800m / 12,460 ft
• Trek Distance: 6 km
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Today, you’ll trek to the road head a few kilometers ahead of the actual village of Hunder Dok before our 15km drive to Hunder. A relatively easy day of hiking majorly involving descent over gently sloping terrain and an opportunity to catch sight of what traditional, high altitude Ladakhi villages look like

As you approach Hunder, you’ll start to notice more signs of human habitation, The town of Hunder is famous for its sand dunes, and you might even get the chance to visit the unique double-humped Bactrian camels that inhabit the region. You’ll have time to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and explore the village before spending the night in a comfortable hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Leh, which will take approximately 5-6 hours. The drive will be scenic, offering fantastic views of the Nubra Valley and the surrounding mountains as you travel back via Khardung La (5359m / 17580 ft). The descent into Leh will also provide stunning vistas, and you’ll be able to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. Once back in Leh, you’ll have some free time to relax and perhaps do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before your departure the next day.

On the final day of your journey, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. You’ll leave Leh with unforgettable memories of your Nubra Valley trek, having experienced some of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the world. Whether you’re heading back home or continuing your travels, you’ll have a wealth of stories to share from this incredible adventure.