HIGHLANDS OF LADAKH - 15 DAYS
Delhi - Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley - Turtuk Village - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake - Chang La Pass - Leh - Uletokpo - Dah - Lamayuru - Leh - Delhi

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, Ladakh is a high-altitude desert area located at the western edge of the Tibetan plateau. Its awe-inspiring landscape has been modified and sculpted into its spectacular shape by wind and water over the millennia. The moon-like scenery is extraordinary: stark and barren but interspersed with isolated settlements of green oases full of swaying poplar trees, apricot orchards and cultivated farmland. Despite the rugged terrain and high altitude, the people of Ladakh exhibit a natural Joie de vivre and their customs and lifestyle are a continuum from the past; these friendly and gentle people will all contribute to make your visit to this stunning area both fascinating and memorable. Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage is displayed in the numerous 'Gompas' that dominate the area. Perched high up in the mountain ridges, these enchanting medieval monasteries, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, are still places of active worship and hold treasure troves of superb arte-facts, images and ancient frescoes. Whatever you do here you can be sure of an unforgettable, unbeatable experience in one of the most mind-blowing beautiful places on earth.

ITINERARY 2021

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi International airport you will be welcomed by our representative and transported to your hotel. (Room will be available from 1400 Hrs). Evening tour orientation meeting with Indian trip leader followed by welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 02: Delhi-Leh (By flight) (11,400 feet)
Early morning transfer to the airport to board in flight to Leh:
DEL/IXL       G8 715            ETD/ETA:     0830/0955 Hrs
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kg and 07 kg hand luggage)
The crisp air of Leh, when you disembark from the airplane, welcomes you to this unpolluted Himalayan destination. You will be welcomed and escorted to the hotel. Leh is the capital of Ladakh – a vast highland desert area lying between the Karakoram Mountains and the Greater Himalayan range. The city sits in a stark, awe-inspiring location on the valley floor, at an altitude of 3500m, hemmed in by mile upon mile of snow-capped mountains. Leh is a fascinating place, in a startlingly beautiful area, inhabited predominantly by Buddhists. Their extraordinary way of life can be witnessed in the many gompas (Buddhist monasteries) in and around Leh. Later complete some rest and leisure to acclimatize for the height of Leh. Overnight at the Hotel 

Day 03: Leh
After breakfast, drive to visit Dak Thok monastery (the monastery with rock ceiling); 50 kms east of Leh. Dak Thok means ‘top of the rocks’ and is 4-km up the valley from Chemrey on a lumpy outcrop of eroded rocks, and the small Gompa (fortified place or monastery of learning) here is the sole representative in Ladakh of the ancient Nyingmapa order.  The wonderful monasteries are fantastic centres of Buddhist art, literature and culture and Dak Thok has many new temples adorned with gleaming new Buddha’s and garish modern murals and has a sacred meditation cave at the center.  The monastery came into existence when Guru Padma Sambhava visited this place and blessed it in the 8th century. The Gompa was merely a meditation cave of Padma Sambhava, with footprints and many other signs, until the reign of King Tsewang Namgyal. When Mahasiddha Kunga Phunstog introduced monastic community. On the way back to Leh, we will also visit Hemis monastery: Hemis: One of the largest and richest gompa of Ladakh. Hemis gompa is believed to have been established in 1630 by Lama Tagstang Raspa and built by Palden Sara under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal on a site previously sanctified by the construction of a cave hermitage dating from the 12th century. This monastery is the oldest one in the area belonging to the Kargyu School. During the late 17th century and early 18th century, the main Gompa building reached its zenith with the construction of the Dukhang Chenmo or large assembly hall, its ancient building, the main entrance to the Gompa building, the large courtyard and its enclosing gallery decorated with painted stone reliefs. In the evening drive to Shanti Stupa which is situated at a height of 3609 meters overlooking the Leh city; it gives a panoramic view of surrounding snowcapped mountains. It is situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps. The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 04: Leh
Early morning with packed breakfast drive to Thiksey monastery to participate in the prayer. Thiksey: Spectacularly sighted, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive gompa. There are several temples in this gompa, containing images stupas and wall painting of Buddhas which are exquisite. Later drive back to Leh en-route visit Shey, Situated on a hillock 15 km. upstream from Leh, was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings. A 7.5 meter high copper status of Buddha plated with gold and the largest of its kind is installed here. Afternoon, drive to visit the Phyang and Spituk monasteries. Phyang: The site where the monastery now stands was once a part of the numerous monastic properties, offered during the time of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial to Chosje Damma Kunga. The hill of Phyang served as the venue of a monastery, known as Tashi Chozong, established in the year 1515. A monastic community was introduced to the monastery and with this started, the first establishment of the Digung teachings in Ladakh. Spituk: Spituk Monastery, established in the 11th century, was named by a scholarly translator Rinchen Zangpo as Spituk. It is located on the mount of a hill in Leh on the Shore of Indus River. Spituk Monastery is famous for its wide and varied collections of ancient masks, icons, antique arms and numerous Thangka. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 05: Leh – Khardung La (17600 feet)-Nubra Valley (11,000 feet) (By surface approx. 130 Kms/05-06 Hrs)
After early breakfast drive to the Nubra valley.  En-route pass Khardung-la (17,600 feet).  This will be the highest elevation for you during this trip as this is the world’s highest motorable road (at least as claimed by the Indian Army!). After enjoying the spectacular snow covered scenery all around, you descend through the towering peaks to the villages of Nubra. On arrival, check in to hotel. Late afternoon, drive to visit The Hundur Gompa. You can see the number of shrines like Kangyu-lang and Tsangyu-lang inside the monastery complex. We will also walk around the Hunder village to photograph the local life. At Hunder you may be able to see the double humped camels who were left behind from the silk route era when India and Pakistan were partitioned. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 06: Nubra Valley
After early breakfast, drive to visit Samstanling monastery- popular Buddhist religious site located at the Sumur Village. Samstanling Monastery was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima and Monastic community was introduced as Rezong Gompa. About 50-60 monks are residing at this 132 years old monastery. We will further drive, and hike to visit the Ensa monastery. Ensa Gompa is a 250-year-old monastery, located near Panamik Village in Leh. The Gompa is perched on top of a rock that overlooks the snow capped mountains of the Nubra Valley. The Gompa has Buddhist murals, which are the main attractions of the monastery. Drive back to Hunder, en-route visit Deskit monastery. The Diskit Gompa is an old Gompa that dates back to 14th century. You can find a number of shrines inside the Diskit monastery. It is situated on a hill top giving panoramic view of the valley later walk around the town of Diskit which has a small village market and Giant Buddha Statue. Evening return back to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at the Hotel 

Day 07: Nubra Valley – Turtuk village – Nubra Valley
After breakfast, drive to the last village towards Pakistani border.  A stunning rocky mountain drive with amazing landscape all around. After crossing a check point, visit first of the village called Bodang.   A good opportunity to buy the famous Pastun hats which are stitched by the local tailors here. Soon reach Turtuk village. After the partition of India in 1947, this area was in the control of Pakistan.  India annexed it in 1971 and since then it is holding it. On demand by the locals, this area was opened to tourism only in 2010.  We walk around the village and meet some of the local families here and hear their stories. Evening return back to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 08: Nubra Valley-Pangong Lake (14270 feet) - (By surface approx. 200 Kms/06 Hrs)
Early morning, drive to participate in the morning Prayer at the Diskit monastery. Come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Pangong Lake through Agam – Shyok route. We will make the impromptu photo stops en-route to Pangong Lake. On arrival, check in to hotel. Later, we will do the sunset photography of the Pangong Lake. Overnight at the Hotel  

Day 09: Pangong Lake
This beautiful lake spans two countries and offers breathtaking views of the countryside in the heart of the Himalayan Ranges, which is actually a cold desert. The long lake lies at a close proximity to the famous Chushul Mountains. The cold, clear, and extremely salty water of the lake holds sufficient quantity of lime to form a calcareous deposit. It also has numerous minerals in its basin, which are believed to be formed by the melted snow. The lake changes its colours with every season. It sparkles in various shades of blue, green, purple, and violet. One can enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. We will do the sunrise and sunset photography of the Pangong Lake as well as visit the Maan village and Merak villages and monasteries. Overnight at the Hotel 

Day 10: Pangong Lake- Changla Pass (17500 feet)-Leh (By surface approx. 170 Kms/06 Hrs)
After breakfast drive back to Leh over Changla pass (17,500 feet). Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. En-route visit Chemrey Monastery, dedicated to the Drugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, Chemrey Monastery is situated 40 km before Leh. An important centre of Buddhist learning, the monastery attracts large number of tourists because of its picturesque location. The monastery was founded in 1664 AD by Lama Tagsang Raschen who also founded Hemis monastery. The monastery is also dedicated to King Sengge Namgyal who was instrumental in the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. Continue drive to Leh. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.  

Late afternoon/evening, wander around the markets of Leh. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 11: Leh-Uletokpo (10,000 feet) via Basgo & Likir, Alchi (By surface approx. 70 Kms/03 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Basgo. Visit Basgo Gompa the seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in 1680 AD. that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three year long siege. Original 16th century murals and other arts of Basgo are well worth a visit. Continue drive to visit Likir Gompa situated at a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th century although the present construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. On arrival, check-in to the resort. After lunch drive we drive and cross the river Indus and reach Alchi to visit Alchi monastery. Dwarfed by high mountains in the backdrop, the monasteries of Alchi are fine examples of traditional Tibetan architecture. Solid square and rectangular structures with flat roofs and with elaborate murals is a landmark of Buddhist art and architecture in the Himalayan region. Evening return back to the resort for overnight stay. Overnight at the Hotel 

Day 12: Uletokpo-Dah (9300 feet) (By surface approx. 120 Kms/03-04 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Dha. On arrival, check-in at the Camp. Dha & Hanu are famous as ‘the Land of Aryans’, Dha and Hanu village are settlements of Drokpa or Brokpa community in Ladakh. According to popular belief, the Brokpas were part of the army of Alexander the Great and came to the region over two thousand years ago. The Brokpas reside in five villages, four of which are in India and one in Pakistan. The custom of marrying within the community has ensured the Brokpas have retained their distinctive features.   The custom of marrying within the community has, however, limited the population of Brokpas. The community hardly numbers over 2000. Drokpa or Brokpa community is racially and culturally distinct from the common Ladakhis. The community has a unique sense of dressing. The community, especially women makes it a practice to wear flowers on their hats. The practice has earned them the sobriquet of flower women of Ladakh. The community also practices polyandry. We will be accorded a special welcome ceremony by one of the village where there will be local music and dancing as well as local food will be served. Overnight at the Camp

Day 13: Dah-Lamayuru-Leh (By surface approx. 200 Kms/06 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Leh. En-route to visit Lamayuru, (Oldest Monastery on Central Ladakh Region). Lamayuru Monastery, belonging to the Ka-gyü-pa order has always been very active and powerful. In the 13th century, it was the main contender against the Sakya Monastery for supremacy throughout Tibet. The focal point of this monastery is a cave where the great Indian Saint Marpa is said to have meditated. After the visit of Lamayuru monastery, we will do the walking tour of the Lamayuru village. Later continue drive to Leh. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 14: Leh-Delhi (By flight)
After breakfast transfer to the Leh airport to board the flight to Delhi.
IXL/DEL       G8 194            ETD/ETA:     1025/1155 Hrs
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kg and 07 kg hand luggage)

On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for own activities. Overnight at the Hotel 

Day 15: Delhi Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Delhi International airport to board the flight for onward journey.

Prices are available upon request.

INCLUSIONS

• Double/Twin room on sharing basis.

• Meals as mentioned above.

• All transfers by air-conditioned Tempo Traveler in Delhi as per the program.

• All transfers and sightseeing by non air-conditioned Toyota Innova Cars in Ladakh as per the program.

• Services for an excellent English speaking accompanying Ladakhi guide in Ladakh as per the program.

• Entrance to the monasteries as per the program.

• Meeting with the monk in the Thiksey monastery.

• Welcome ceremony in Dah village.

• Inner line permits.  

• 30 minutes Camel ride in Hunder Sand Dunes.

• Oxygen cylinder while visiting Nubra and Pangong Lake.

• Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the tour.

• Assistance at all the airports by our representatives.

• Tax as applicable.
  
  EXCLUSIONS

  ·         Any airfare

  ·         Any airport tax.

  ·         Any lunches/dinners in Delhi.

  ·         Any expenses of personal nature like tips, porterages at the stations, laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc.

  ·         Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control like flight cancellation, road blocks, vehicle malfunction etc.

  ·         Any medical or evacuation insurance

  ·         Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc.