Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest airports in the world. The flight offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

Check into a centrally heated hotel. The first day is crucial for acclimatizing to the high altitude (3,500m / 11,500 ft). Complete rest is essential to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Have a simple and light lunch at your hotel's restaurant. Opt for soups, dal, and rice. Avoid anything too heavy or oily to aid acclimatization.

If you are feeling well, take a very slow and gentle walk to the nearby Leh Main Bazaar. This helps your body to start adjusting. Do not exert yourself.

Enjoy a warm and comforting dinner. The Tibetan Kitchen is a popular choice that usually stays open in the winter. Try their Thukpa (noodle soup) or Momos.

Visit the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa on a hilltop. It offers stunning panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding snow-dusted mountains, especially beautiful in the crisp morning light.

Discover the former royal palace overlooking Leh. Built in the 17th century, it's a smaller version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The interiors are mostly empty, but the architecture and views are impressive.

Head to a local eatery in the main market for an authentic Ladakhi meal. Try Skyu (a traditional pasta-like dish) or Chutagi (dumpling soup).

Visit the Hall of Fame, a museum constructed and maintained by the Indian Army. It showcases the bravery of Indian soldiers, the history of the region, and the local culture.

Visit the 11th-century Spituk Gompa, perched on a hill with commanding views of the Indus River. It has a fascinating collection of ancient masks, thangkas, and a giant statue of Kali.

Start a day trip towards the lower altitude Sham Valley, also known as the 'Apricot Valley'. The drive along the Indus River is scenic and beautiful.

Experience the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill, where the layout of the surrounding land makes it seem as if a car left out of gear will roll uphill. A fun photo stop.

Stop at the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The two rivers have distinctly different colors. In November, you might see ice forming along the banks, creating a stunning visual.

Visit the Alchi Monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee. Unlike other hilltop monasteries, it's on flat ground. It is famous for its 11th-century murals and frescoes, which are some of the oldest and best-preserved in Ladakh.

Have lunch at one of the few cafes or guesthouse restaurants open in Alchi village. Enjoy simple, hot, and freshly prepared food.

Drive back to Leh, enjoying the late afternoon light on the barren, beautiful mountains.

Embark on the most adventurous leg of your journey to Nubra Valley. The route crosses Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes. The views are surreal, but the journey is challenging in winter.

Stop briefly at the summit of Khardung La (17,582 ft). The air is thin and it's extremely cold, so don't spend more than 15-20 minutes here. Enjoy the feeling of being on top of the world.

After descending into Nubra Valley, visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest in the valley. The highlight is the towering 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, offering panoramic views of the Shyok River and the valley.

Visit the famous Hunder Sand Dunes, a surreal high-altitude desert. Here you can see and ride the double-humped Bactrian camels, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road trade.

Check into a pre-booked hotel or guesthouse in Hunder that offers proper heating for the cold winter night. Enjoy the tranquility and clear, starry skies of Nubra.

If your Nubra trip was successful, start the drive back to Leh after breakfast. The journey back over Khardung La offers a different perspective of the stunning landscape.

If the Nubra Valley trip was cancelled due to weather, use this day to explore the famous monasteries east of Leh. This includes Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey.

Visit Hemis, the wealthiest and largest monastery in Ladakh, belonging to the Drukpa lineage. It's nestled in a gorge and has a serene, hidden feel.

Explore the magnificent Thiksey Monastery, which strikingly resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Its 12-story complex houses many items of Buddhist art and a 15-meter high statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Visit the former summer capital of Ladakh, Shey Palace and Monastery. It's known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha.

Enjoy a final Ladakhi dinner. You can revisit a favorite restaurant or try a new one like Gesmo Restaurant for a mix of local and continental food.

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your flight home.

Depart from Leh, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of a serene and starkly beautiful Ladakhi winter.