Wedged between the Karakoram and the Himalaya, Ladakh is a spectacular Trans-Himalayan region. A road trip through the remote cold desert reveals sweeping vistas of stark mountains and turquoise rivers, specked with hilltop monasteries and Buddhist prayer flags. Experience the Ladakhi way of life as you stay in traditional stone houses set in orchards surrounded by yaks and goats, eat traditional farm-to-table meals, and sip tea with monks.

Nature in Ladakh is overwhelming. At the stunning confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, you’ll see two shades of blue merge seamlessly. Dabble in some thrilling adventure as you raft down the River Shyok and navigate some of the highest motorable roads in the world. You’ll see double-humped camels in Nubra and walk part of the former caravan route to Tibet. Leh is a vibrant city, full of heritage architecture and old-world stupas. Here, you’ll stay at a grand palace dating to the 1800s and dine in a royal kitchen.