LADAKH IS SOMETIMES called 'Little Tibet'. It has a similar landscape and culture that bears this comparison. The Ladakh range starts from the Indus-Shyok confluence and the Zanskar range is the dividing line between the Indus and Zanskar valleys. The Great Himalayan range in its S demarcates Ladakh from the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh. Two main districts comprise Ladakh: Leh and Kargil. Leh can be subdivided into Indus Valley, Nubra Valley, Shyok Valley and Markha Valley. The main rivers are Indus, Zansker and Shyok; like the mountain ranges these rivers run roughly E to W.
Ladakh today is one of the most remarkable adventure travel destinations and its can be divided into three main areas for trekking: Zansker, with Padam as its central point; the area around Leh; and the Nubra/Shyok Valleys of the Eastern Karakoram. Most trails that commence from adjoining Himachal Pradesh, especially from Manali, converge by different routes at Padam. Then Leh is approached by different routes form Padam.
Today Ladakh is open to outsiders, or at least as open as its geography permits. No special permission is needed to enter Ladakh and within the region you can travel around with relative freedom. Ladakh is full of amazing sights- strange gompas perched on soaring hilltops, dwarfed by snowcapped mountain; the barren, shattered looking landscapes aplashed with small but brilliant patches of green; ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls. But most of all it is notable for its delightful people- friendly as only Tibetans can be and immensely colorful. It’s an amazing place. The road journeys to Ladakh. Starting at Manali is an unforgetful experience; crossing over a series of high passes, topped by the 5360 m high Tanglang-la - it is an adventure, offering spectacular scenery.
Ladakh offers numerous high altitude treks, wild jeep safaris, white water rafting, mountain biking and mountain climbing. Meeting its colorful people and participating in their festivals are experiences to remember. Tours to monasteries are soul enriching and awe-inspiring.
69 km from Leh the only monastery built on flat ground. Also known as the Choskor or religious enclave. About 1000 years back (11th century), This Gompa was built by the great translator Ringchen Zangpo. This is very famous for its painting and architecture which has an Indian and Kashmiri influence in them.
Alchi Gompa | Namgyal Tsemo Gompa | Sankar Gompa |
Shanti stupa | Likir Monastery | Spituk Monastery |
Cave Monastery | Thiksey Monastery | Stok Palace |
Shey Monastery | Lamayuru Monastery | Phugtal Gompa |
Leh Palace | Zongkhul Monastery |
Destinations Covered : Delhi-Leh-uletokpo Lamayuru-khardongla-pangong Lake- Delhi.
Duration : 6 Nights & 7 Days
Arrive Delhi airport Meeting and assistance on arrival Transfer to domestic airport connoting flight for Leh, on arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by our representative at the airport and escort you to Hotel. Complete day for the acclimatization which is 3500 Mtrs above sea level. In the evening short walk around Leh bazaar Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast Day excursion to the famous monasteries, it is interesting to visit early in the morning to enjoy the praying ceremony at Thiksey monastery. Continue drive to Hemis monastery which is one of the most famous monasteries of the Ladakh region. On the way back visit to Shey Palace. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast Leave for Uletokpo camping which is one of the most beautiful camping in the Ladakh region on the way visit Spituk monastery which is just 5 kms from Leh town. Continue drive to Alchi monastery is the only monastery in the Ladakh on flat ground. By the lunch time you will reach Uletokpo. Evening enjoy to sit on the bank of river coming down from the Ridzong side. Overnight stay At Camp.
Morning excursion Fort - Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwahas clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front; one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.
After breakfast full day excursion to Khardongla pass which is the highest motorable pass in the world 5600 Mtrs and has been recorded in the Gunnies Book of world records. At the top enjoy the nature beauty of snow capped mountain. In the evening back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast leave early morning at 5AM to Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of it’s running the other side of the “INDO CHINA BORDER”. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. In the late afternoon drive back to Leh. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Transfer in time to the airport to connoting flight onwards destination.
Destinations Covered : Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kargil, Lamayru, Uleytokpo, Alchi, liker, Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Chemary, Manali, and Chandigarh.
Duration : 19 nights & 20 days
Arrive Delhi meeting and Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel” The Corus”
After breakfast Enjoy full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi designed and built by the British in the 1920’s it’s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Old Delhi: an ancient walled city. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Moghul Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. (Red Fort closed on Mondays) Overnight stay at Hotel.
Early morning boarding Train ride to Jammu. Night in Hotel Premair at Jammu wash and change prossed for city tour in Jammu over night stay at hotel.
After breakfast, Drive to Srinagar.Check in at hotel or house boat. Afternoon free for personal activities. Early evening Shikara ride on the DAL LAKE to enjoy the sunset. Night in Super Deluxe House boat at Srinagar.
After breakfast local sightseeing of Srinagar. Tour of World Famous Mugal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). In the afternoon Shikara ride on the DAL LAKE to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city with which is often compared to Venice. You will get a View of some very interesting places around the lake. Night in Super Deluxe House boat at Srinagar
Full day tour of Gulmarg which is one of the most beautiful summer resorts in the valley. Enjoy the splendour of nature and the snowy mountains. One can have Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg. Night in Super Deluxe House boat at Srinagar.
Leave in the morning and drive to Kargil by car/coach and road passes through the panoramic village reach Sonmarg (2740 Mtrs) After Sonmarg most rough road and wet Zojila pass 3527 Mtrs (Gateway of Ladakh). Continue drive towards Drass (The second coldest inhibited place in the world) we stop here for tea and passport check. Another two and half hours drive will take us to Kargil. Night in Hotel Dzojila/Similar at Kargil.
Leave in the morning drive to Uletokpo today we have to ascend three passes this day will be tiresome but panoramic too. First Buddhist village will be Mulbek. We have to cross the highest pass (Fotula 13749 ft.) on Srinagar Leh route. At lunch time we will be at Lamayuru oldest Monastery. Continue drive to next village Nimu a view of Zanskar River following into Indus. Finally we reach Uleytokpo. Night in Ule Ethinic Camp at Uletokpo.
After breakfast drive to Leh and on the way visit Liker and Alchi monastery. Night in Hotel Spic and Span /Simlara at Leh.
AlchiAlchi Choskor is the only monastery in the Ladakh on flat ground, around 69 Kms west of Leh. Largest and most famous of all of the temples and built by the great translator Ringchem Zangpo. The temple was founded in 11th century which accounts for the Indian and particularly Kashmiri influences.
LikirLocated around 52 Kms from Leh know as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) founded in the 14th century by Lama Dhwang Chosje a great champion of meditation. The site of the monastery was encircled by the bodies of two great spent spirits. Therefore, name became widely renowned as Liker. In the 15th century the disciple of Khasdubje know a lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. This monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa School. Every year from the 17th to 19th of the 12th month the Lekir festival is held.
After breakfast full day tour of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. PACKED LUNCH. Night in Hotel Spic and Span /Simlara at Leh.
HemisHemis monastery is one of the most famous and largest of all monasteries in Ladakh, 45 Kms south of Leh founded in 17th century belongs to the Drukpa order. The monastery was founded by Stagsang Raschegn who was invited to Ladakh by king Singee Namgyal. The king offered him religious estates and attended him as his principal guru. Hemis Tsechu (festival) assembles annually from 9th to 11th day of the 5th Tibetan month. The Gompa has well preserved Thankas and copper gilt statue of the lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver and many auspicious objects. The largest thanka in Ladakh over 12 Mtrs. Long is at Hemis.
ThikseyAbout 2 0Km south of Leh. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of Gelukpa order. The disciple of Jangon Tsongkhapa, Sherab Zangpo of stod, first built the temple of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of the Thiksey valley. Then Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo founded Thiksey monastery. There are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as in charge of the monastery. Thiksey gustor (festival) held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. There are chance to see prayer in the early morning.
Shey PalaceShey, 15 Km south of Leh was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon and of successive kings. Around 12 Ft. Sakyamuni Buddha's statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the region, built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to his father, king Singee Namgyal. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height at dresthang down the castle. Stone carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa. On the 30th day of the 1st Tibetan month celebrates shey rul-lo and on the 10th day of the 7th Tibetan month the festival of Shey Surb-lo is held.
After breakfast tour of Spituk and Phyang. Night in Hotel Spic and Span /Simlara at Leh.
SPITUKGompa is on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh. Which was founded in 11th century by Od-De the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od, the Gompa named Spituk (exemplary) when Rinchen Zangpo translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa School then during the life time of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order. The Spituk festival held every year from 17th to 19th days of the 11th month.
PhyangPhyang is 17 Kms west of Leh on the blue hill, belongs to Dingung order, founded in 15th century by Chosje Danma Kunja Dragpa in the time of King Jamjang Namgyal. Phyang monastery is also called Tashi Chosang, which mark the first established of the Dingung to teachings in Ladakh. The festivals of Gang-Sgnon Tsedub are held every year from 17th to 19th of the 1st month.
Leave early morning at 5AM to Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of it's running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. In the late afternoon drive back to Leh. Night in Hotel Spic and Span /Simlara at Leh.
Tour to Sanker, Tsemo Gompa and Shanti Stupa. Night in Hotel Spic and Span /Similar at Leh
SHANTI STUPAShanti Stupa of Ladakh is located on the hilltop at Changspa. It can be reached quite easily from the Fort Road. The Stupa was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization, known as 'The Japanese for World Peace'. The aim behind the construction of the Stupa was to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World Peace. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Shanti Stupa in the year 1985. A magnificent white-domed structure, the Shanti Stupa of Leh Ladakh offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. The stupa looks best at night, when it is beautifully illuminated with glittering lights. A large number of tourists come to Ladakh every year to visit this amazing stupa.
TSEMO IN LEHShanti Stupa of Ladakh is located on the hilltop at Changspa. It can be reached quite easily from the Fort Road. The Stupa was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization, known as 'The Japanese for World Peace'. The aim behind the construction of the Stupa was to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World Peace. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Shanti Stupa in the year 1985. A magnificent white-domed structure, the Shanti Stupa of Leh Ladakh offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. The stupa looks best at night, when it is beautifully illuminated with glittering lights. A large number of tourists come to Ladakh every year to visit this amazing stupa.
After early breakfast departure to Nubra Valley with PACKED LUNCH enroute visit Disket and Hundar monastery. On arrival check in at Camp. Accommodation in tents.
NUBRAThe Nubra valley lies in the north of Leh and is accessible over the Khardongla pass 5600 Mtrs which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The Nubra valley has opened for Foreign Tourists in 1994 by the Govt. of India to expand tourist’s opportunities in ladakh region. The valley is on the trade route from Leh to Khangar via Samsar and Karakoram passed. Apart from unparraled trekking opportunities. The valley have serval Buddhist Gompas Diskit Gompa is 350 years old and is situated on the highest point near the village in which there are about 120 Resident Buddhist Monks. The Nubra valley is also known for its double humped bacterian camels.
After breakfast departure to Panamik and Sumur Gompa. HOT LUNCH in the camp. Night in Deluxe Camp at Nubra.
After breakfast at the camp, Departure to Leh with PACKED LUNCH. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free for shopping and independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast tour of Takhtok and Chemry monastery. PACKED LUNCH. Overnight at Hotel.
TAKTHOK MONASTERYAround 46 Km from Leh, Takthok monastery was a meditation cave of mahasidhas "Kunga Phuntsog". Later, it started calling Takthok (rock roof) monastery. The festival of Takthok held on the 28th and 29th days of the 9th month.
Leave Leh in the morning and drive to Manali. Night in Manali country inn.
Leave Manali in the morning to Chandigarh. Night in Chandigarh hotel mount view/shivalik view.
Take train to Delhi let evening connecting flight in time onward destination.