Ladakh was always on my travel wishlist as I had often seen pictures of its clear blue lakes, towering mountains, and peaceful monasteries which is why I wanted to experience it all for myself. While planning the trip, I remembered a friend once mentioning Thrillophilia, someone from his office had taken a similar Ladakh trip through them and had only good things to say. That stuck with me. Curious, I checked out their website and found it impressive, everything from detailed day-wise itineraries to hotel options and activity photos was clearly laid out. What really helped seal the deal were the Thrillophilia reviews. Reading about others’ smooth experiences, especially in high-altitude conditions, gave me the confidence I needed to go ahead and book with them.
After submitting a query, I got a call the same day by a representative who answered all my questions patiently- from road conditions to meals and network coverage. That one call helped me trust them and I finally booked a 6-day Leh-Nubra-Pangong package that included accommodation, meals, transport, sightseeing, and permits. The entire booking process was seamless, and the confirmation e-mail was sent right after payment.
A warm welcome at Leh
Our journey began as we landed in Leh, where we were greeted with warm smiles at the airport. We were then taken to our hotel for check-in and rested for a while. In the afternoon, we started exploring the main sights of Leh. Our first stop was Tsemo Castle, where we soaked in the beautiful views of the Leh valley. Later, we visited the Shanti Stupa, followed by the historic Leh Palace, known for its old-style Tibetan architecture. In the evening, we strolled through the Leh Market and picked up some souvenirs like apricot products and a few custom T-shirts printed as keepsakes.
Journey Through Sham Valley
On Day 2, we were driven to Sham Valley, the route itself was a visual treat. We stopped at the famous Sangam to see the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. Then came the Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appeared to be moving uphill on their own! Next, we paid our respects at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and also explored SECMOL, the unique school shown in the movie “3 Idiots”. Some group members tried white water rafting, but we chose to just enjoy the lovely views before heading back to Leh.
The Journey to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass
Day 3 was one of the most thrilling, as we crossed the legendary Khardung La Pass. The altitude was high, and the cold was bitter, so we stopped at the Khardungla Café for a plate of hot Maggi, which made it all a bit better. Another stop was Milkha Point, where the famous movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was filmed. We continued on to the Diskit Monastery to soak in its peaceful vibe and admire the tall Buddha statue. Finally, we reached the Hunder Sand Dunes, where we rode double-humped camels, a unique and fun experience. Later, we checked into our cozy campsite and rested under the stars.
Camping by Pangong Tso
The next morning, we left Nubra and drove towards Pangong Lake. The route via the Shyok River was stunning, with untouched beauty at every turn. We took a break at the BRO Café for some snacks and tea. When we finally reached Pangong, the view took our breath away. We could actually see the lake change colours as the sun moved, shifting from blue to green, and then to golden. It was even more magical than the photos. We stayed in tents right next to the lake and spent a cold but peaceful night under the sky full of stars.
Back to Leh via Chang La
On the fifth day, we left for Leh via Chang La Pass, another high mountain road that felt like an adventure. Along the way, we stopped at the Chang La Baba Temple and later at Sakti Village, where a few people in our group tried paragliding. We also visited the Druk Padma Karpo School, made famous by the movie 3 Idiots, a nice touch for movie lovers. Our final stop before reaching Leh was the calm, quiet, and beautiful Thiksey Monastery. Once back in Leh, we checked into the hotel and spent the evening relaxing and packing.
Bidding an emotional goodbye
On the final day, we checked out and were driven to the airport. The drive was quiet, and we were all a bit emotional as the trip came to an end. This tour gave us so many memories of the peaceful monasteries, the blue lakes, the camel rides, and the starlit skies.
Looking back, I am so glad that I trusted the reviews of Thrillophilia. Everything from transport and stays to guides and safety was exceptionally handled. Since our group was a small one, we had no dearth of personal attention. The hotels and tents were clean, food was fresh and simple, and our driver was very careful on the mountain roads. We just had one small issue with a tent zipper in Nubra, but it was fixed quickly by the team, which showed how responsive they were.
So, if a trip to Ladakh is on your mind I would strongly suggest you book one with Thrillophilia. I am only saying this because they know the region well and can manage everything professionally so that you can just enjoy your time. This trip helped me disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature. I totally look forward to booking my next trip with them.
[NG-FA]