Priti's First Solo Trip Took Her Across Ladakh's Highest Passes with Thrillophilia
Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKDBFJSQ7UO
Rating: ★★★★★
Travellers: Priti Jha
Trip Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Date of Travel: 13 Apr 2026 to 19 Apr 2026
Package Booked: Turtuk Leh to Leh with Turtuk Car Group Tour
Every first solo trip begins with a decision to trust yourself a little more than before. For Priti Jha, that moment arrived when she decided to travel to Ladakh alone for the very first time. This moment led her to a week of mountain roads, quiet villages, and shared experiences in Ladakh, leaving her with far more than just photographs.
It wasn't just another holiday. It meant travelling through one of India's most remote regions without family or friends, sharing the journey with strangers she hadn't met yet, and trusting that everything would fall into place once she arrived.
By the end of the week, it had.
Looking back on the experience, she had one simple message for anyone thinking about travelling on their own.
"I think girls should do solo trips. It was my first solo trip, and I really enjoyed it."
Priti discovered the beauty of solo travel through Ladakh's lakes, mountains, and peaceful monasteries
Beginning the Journey in Leh
Priti landed at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport on 13th April, where a shared airport transfer, arranged by Thrillphilia, was already waiting to take her to the hotel in Leh. That first day was intentionally unhurried, giving her enough time to settle in, enjoy a relaxed meal at the hotel, and allow her body to adjust to Ladakh's altitude before exploring the town.
Later, she visited Leh Palace, whose hilltop location offers sweeping views across the city, before making her way to Shanti Stupa. The white-domed monastery looked even more peaceful against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, while the nearby Leh Market brought a different energy with its cafés, local shops, and Tibetan handicrafts.
It was a gentle introduction to Ladakh. Instead of immediately setting off on long drives, the itinerary left enough room to slow down and simply absorb the surroundings, making the transition into the journey feel comfortable rather than rushed.
The following morning began with breakfast at the hotel before the group set out to explore the region beyond Leh.
From Sham Valley to Nubra Valley
The second day introduced Priti to some of Ladakh's most recognisable landmarks. Travelling through Sham Valley, the group stopped at Sangam Point, where the differently coloured waters of the Indus and Zanskar rivers flow side by side before merging into one.
From there, they visited Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the SECMOL campus made famous by 3 Idiots, and the Hall of Fame War Memorial. With the day's transport already arranged, the group could focus entirely on each destination without worrying about routes or timings, making the long drive feel surprisingly relaxed.
The following day, the journey continued towards Nubra Valley through Khardung La Pass, one of the world's highest all-season motorable roads. Like most travellers, Priti paused at the top to admire the mountain views before warming up with a cup of chai and a bowl of hot Maggi from the café nearby.
Descending into Nubra revealed an entirely different landscape. Diskit Monastery overlooked the valley with its towering Maitreya Buddha statue, while the Hunder Sand Dunes challenged every expectation of what Ladakh should look like. Against a backdrop of mountains stood rolling stretches of white sand where visitors could choose to ride double-humped Bactrian camels or explore the dunes on an ATV.
By evening, the group reached their riverside campsite near the Shyok River. Dinner was served before everyone stepped outside to look up at a sky filled with stars, bringing an eventful day to a quiet close.
Discovering Turtuk and Pangong Lake
One of the most memorable days of the journey took Priti to Turtuk, a village tucked close to the Line of Control and unlike anywhere else on the itinerary.
Surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, the village introduced the group to the traditions of the Balti community. Walking through narrow lanes lined with apricot and apple orchards, visiting the peaceful monastery, and stopping at the centuries-old polo ground offered a completely different perspective on Ladakh beyond its mountain passes and monasteries.
Returning to the campsite that evening, conversations with fellow travellers came naturally. What had started as a group of strangers was gradually beginning to feel like a circle of friends.
The next day, the road followed the Shyok River towards Pangong Lake. The journey itself was scenic enough to make frequent stops worthwhile, but nothing quite prepared the group for the first glimpse of the lake.
Depending on the light, Pangong shifted between shades of turquoise, deep blue, and green. Their campsite stood close to the shoreline, making it easy to spend the evening sitting by the water before returning for dinner and another peaceful night under Ladakh's clear skies.
Returning to Leh
Leaving Pangong marked the beginning of the final stretch of the journey. Crossing Chang La Pass, another of Ladakh's famous high-altitude roads, the group stopped briefly at Changla Baba Temple before continuing towards the Druk Padma Karpo School, better known to many travellers as Rancho's School from 3 Idiots.
The last major stop was Thiksey Monastery, where rows of whitewashed buildings climb the hillside overlooking the valley below. It felt like an appropriate place to pause before returning to Leh, bringing together the sense of calm that had stayed with the journey from the very beginning.
By evening, everyone was back at the hotel in Leh for one final night before flying home. Standing there, knowing the trip was coming to an end, Priti admitted what she was feeling.
"I feel emotional leaving this peaceful and beautiful city."
Travelling Solo, But Never Feeling Alone
Before arriving in Ladakh, travelling alone had been Priti's biggest concern. It was her first solo trip, and the idea of navigating unfamiliar roads, changing accommodations, and spending nearly a week with people she had never met naturally came with questions.
Those worries disappeared surprisingly quickly.
As the days passed, shared drives, meals, and evenings around the camps brought the group closer together. Conversations that began during long road journeys continued over dinner, and by the end of the trip, the strangers she had met on the first day had become an important part of the memories she was taking home.
That is why, when she looks back at the experience today, she encourages other women to take the leap as well.
"I think girls should do solo trips. It was my first solo trip, and I really enjoyed it."
Sometimes, travelling alone is exactly what helps you realise you are never truly by yourself.
Why Priti Recommends Thrillophilia
For Priti, booking a group departure through Thrillophilia made her first solo adventure feel much more approachable.
From the airport pickup in Leh to the hotel stays, camps in Nubra and Pangong, daily breakfasts and dinners, and the long road transfers between destinations, the practical side of the journey had already been taken care of. That meant she could focus on experiencing Ladakh instead of constantly planning where to go next or how to get there.
She especially appreciated how smoothly everything came together, despite covering some of the most remote parts of the region.
"I am happy that I booked through Thrillophilia because I got amazing friends here," she said.
For someone travelling solo for the first time, that sense of support made all the difference. The organised transfers, comfortable stays, and coordinated itinerary removed much of the uncertainty that often comes with visiting a destination like Ladakh, allowing her to simply enjoy the landscapes and the company around her.
As the trip came to an end, Priti knew she wasn't just returning with photographs of mountain passes and lakes. She was taking back the confidence that comes from completing your first solo journey.
Before leaving Leh, she had one final recommendation for anyone still wondering whether Ladakh is worth visiting.
"You all should visit this place if you get a chance in your life. You shouldn't miss this thing in your life for sure."