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Set amidst the epic Himalayas, Ladakh is a rustic and heavenly beautiful travel destination. The rugged valleys and mountains, winding roads coupled with the vibrant cultural life maintain the exuberance and charm of this region.
The iconic Magnetic Hill, the turquoise coloured Pangong Lake, the confluence of two mystical rivers, ancient and awe inspiring monasteries and the highest passes are a few of the marvellous attractions of Leh and Ladakh in general. The wide array of trekking routes will satiate your soul and enrich the senses. The moon-like desert mountains continue to be an exceptional destination for adventure seekers and admirers of Buddhism and phenomenal mountain vistas.
Leh is the joint capital and largest town of the union territory of Ladakh in India. Leh was also the historical capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, the seat of which was in the Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace in Tibet. Leh is at an altitude of 3,524 metres (11,562 ft), and is connected via National Highway 1 to Srinagar in the southwest and to Manali in the south via the Leh-Manali Highway.
So, pack some travel essentials with you to explore the most enthralling destination of India and bring back souvenirs of endless memories with you.
Day 1 : Leh Arrival – Acclimatization – Shanti Stupa – Leh Palace
Upon arrival at Leh airport in morning, our representative will be there to meet you and transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check in. It is advisable you use this day to acclimatize to the low air pressure at higher altitudes (11,562 ft.) of Leh. In the evening, we will take you to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms.
Dinner & Overnight Stay at hotel in Leh.
Day 2 : Leh – Spituk – Magnetic Hill – Confluence – Leh (approx 80 km)
After breakfast, leave for Sham Valley Tour.
The first stop on your journey will be monastery at Spituk, 8 Kms from Leh; it stands prominently on the top of hillock commanding a panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. This 15th century Gompa houses interesting icons and thankas of Lord Buddha. The Gompa also houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakaal. The face of the Kali image is kept covered and is revealed only at the annual function at January every year.
Your next stop can be at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. According to legend, in 1517 when Guru Nanak was on his way back after a two year journey to Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, he stopped and spent time here. The Gurudwara holds the rock with the imprint of Guru Nanak’s sitting body and is visited by people of all the faiths.
The next stop is not one to be missed – around 5km further, you will find a sign on your side of the road that reads “Magnetic Hill”. Park your vehicle, turn off the engine, release the brake and you will find yourself moving uphill for a good 10ft or more, without any external assistance! The explanation for this gravity-defying feat is something as mundane as an optical illusion but you be the judge!!
Five kilometers further, you follow the Indus running through a deep gorge, and emerge to view a dramatic confluence of the muddy Indus with the sparkling blue Zanskar.
Return to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.
Day 3 : Leh - Khardung-La - Diskit - Hundur - Nubra Valley (approx 150 km)
After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Nubra Valley. En route visit Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380ft. The pass on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organization, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
The foremost tourist attraction in Khardung La is the excitement of travelling to the highest motorable road itself. There are spectacular views that greet you along the way, that of Leh City & the surrounding mountain ranges. Because of extremely low oxygen and air pressure, you will probably suffer from Altitude Mountain Sickness, or AMS. It is best, therefore, not to spend more than 15 minutes on the K-top.
It is better to acclimatize by staying 3-4 days in Leh before travelling to Khardung La Pass. You should carry medicines like Diamox and plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Sunglasses and woollen clothing is a must.
Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers. It is situated to the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. Arrive at Hunder & check in at Hotel. Later enjoy the Camel ride on sand dunes. Like an oasis amidst the cold desert, Hunder Sand Dunes are beautiful beyond imagination. Located at an altitude of 4,000 meters, the desert is cut across by a gentle stream and the beautiful countryside. With such stunning landscapes against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, the Hunder Sand Dune looks nothing less than a fairy world. Beyond its beauty, the dunes are home to the Bactrian Camels, the major key players during the ancient silk route, and Pashmina Goats. Tourists can also go on a safari on the Bactrian camel that will take them back to the time when the trade was quite prominent within Central Asia and to the remote village of Hunder.
Later visit Diskit Village, the impressive 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is visible from a distance as soon as one enters the Diskit Region. Perched atop a hillock, facing the Shyok River towards Pakistan and complementing the surroundings, Maitreya Budhha was constructed in 2006 keeping in mind three objectives - protection of Diskit Village, prevention of further war with Pakistan, and to promote world peace. The statue was inaugurated by H.H Dalai Lama in 2010. The imposing and colourful image, also known as Jampa is mounted on a large hall that has a preserved a huge drum and a collection of statues and Buddhist literature. One can see statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guru Rimpoche inside the hall.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel/Camp.
Day 4 : Nubra Valley – Turtuk – Nubra Valley (80 kms one way)
After breakfast drive to Turtuk (which is first time opened for the tourist in 2010) which is a place Annexed by India only after the 1971 war, the village of Turtuk is one of the only Balti villages in India and lies right next to the LOC. The village with the whole population of muslims still resembles mini Pakistan. The village's inhabitants still use traditional utensils which are crafted from stone.
Explore the village of Turtuk the village offers views of beautiful valley, part of Shyok Valley. On clear days you can have glimpse of K2 mountain peak located across the border in Pakistan. Though a muslim village, there are few gompas located on the plateau above Shyok River and there is an old royal house to see in village. Return to Nubra by the evening.
Geographically, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan Region and is one among four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha and Thang. The residents of Turtuk and its adjoining villages speak Balti language as ethnicity.
Turtuk is the last outpost of India at Thang after which Pakistan-controlled Gilgit- Baltistan begins. Turtuk is very famous for the availability of different varieties of fruits especially apricots and its artefacts. Turtuk was opened to tourists in 2010. Turtukis one of the few places in India where one can witness Balti culture and heritage.
Dinner & overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
Day 5 : Nubra Valley – Shyok – Durbuk – Tangste – Pangong Lake (approx 160 kms)
After early breakfast, start your scenic drive towards Pangong Tso. This route follows the Shyok River from Agham to Shyok Village, 36 km. You will have to cross the water streams on the way. Stop at Shyok village for a quick bite and snacks and move to Pangong Tso which is perhaps one of the most amazing lakes in Asia which changes its color 4 – 5 times a day.
The Pangong Lake or “lake of the great hollow” is considered as the largest lake in Asia. The water is clearer though salty. It is believed that these waters must have been fresh at some ancient age. The mountain ranges at the Pangong’s north-western extremity are of lime stones which seem to affect its water. The Crystal clear salty water shines in many shades of blue depending upon its depth. It literally changes shades with sunlight. With a backdrop of mountains of various hues and colors, it is a sight for the Gods. At an elevation of 4300 meter, the air is cool even in summers at Ladakh. Pangong Lake is about 4 Km wide on the average and at least 136 Km long. The extent of the known portion is, therefore, upwards of 250 square miles (400 sq km).
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Pangong Lake. Dinner & overnight stay at Pangong Lake.
Day 6 : Pangong – Chang-La – Leh (approx 160 km)
After breakfast at campsite, we will start our journey to Leh. En route you will cross Spangmik, Lukung, Tangste, Durbuk and Chang-La.
Ladakh is famous for its high altitude mountain passes as some of the highest motorable road are located in the Ladakh region.. The third highest motorable mountain pass in the world, Chang La Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,360 meters above sea level, is named after the Sadhu Changla Baba. The Pass temple was built after him only. The place is famous for its scenic and serene natural beauty which attracts tourists from all around the world. The nearest settlement to this place is the little hamlet of Tangste. It is the main gateway for the Changthang plateau situated in the Himalayas.
Stop here for quick tea and snacks and move towards Leh. Reach Leh by evening. Evening free for leisure. You can check out any of the fancy cafes the town has to offer.
Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.
Day 7 : Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Rancho School – Leh (approx 50 km, one way)
Today after breakfast, we will be visiting Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Gompa and Rancho school.
Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey Gompa was built in the beginning of 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal. One of the major attractions in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue located inside the Dresthang Gompa.
Thiksey Gompa is located close to Shey and is about 17 kms from Leh. This monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.
Hemis monastery is about 45 kms south of Leh. It is one of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. This beautiful monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17′Th century.
Stop at Rancho School (popularized by movie 3 Idiots) on your way back.
In the evening, explore many markets of Leh by foot which are famous for Tibetan handicraft items, Ladakhi gowns as well as ornaments and also other local handicraft items. Some of the popular shopping items of Leh Ladakh are:
Tibetan Handicrafts: Prayer wheels, Thangpa paintings, Buddhists masks, Tibetan trumpet, bell, Gur tea churners, Buddhist flags, etc.
Ladakhi Ornaments: Turquoise stoned Jewellery, Tibetan Silver Jewellery, semi-precious stoned Jewellery, etc.
Pashmina Products: Shawls, stoles, woollen garments, caps, gloves and socks
Other Handicraft Items: T-shirts with various motifs and designs, Hand-woven rugs, carpets, etc.
Dinner & Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 8 : Leh airport drop
After breakfast at hotel, check out and we will drop you at Leh airport for your onward journey.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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