Delhi • Leh • Pangong • Nubra
Ladakh, a destination that is awesome in beauty, rugged, snow desert with moonscapes. This region covers an area of 97,000 sq kms, and has an average elevation of 3,500 m. It is often called 'Little Tibet', because of its similarities with neighbouring Tibet. The rugged, arid Ladakh mountainscape has been the subject of many photographers and a destination for world class mountaineers. Its brackish lakes at high altitudes, picturesque peaks, charming mountain villages, expansive meadows, wildlife, monasteries, rich heritage, awesome physical features and remoteness sets it apart from other favourite holiday destinations.
Ladakhis are sweet natured, hard working and fun loving people marking every occasion with festivities. There are a number of Monastic festivals held through out the year. During summer, most villages hold colourful archery festivals and contests, while most of the religious and scio-cultural events are held during the winter. Ladakh also provides great opportunities for adventure sports such as river rafting, trekking, mountaineering and mountain biking.
Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival into Delhi airport you will be met by a representative and escorted to your transportation to your hotel.
Overnight stay.
Day 2 : Delhi to Leh
This morning you head to the airport to board your flight to Leh. This morning is at leisure to acclimatise. During the afternoon you visit Sankar monastery, Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace. Sankar Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism it is also a branch of Spituk Monastery then onto the Shanti Stupa at the Hilltop which was built by the Japanese for World Peace. In 1985 the Dalai Lama inaugrated this symbol of peace. The last stop is at the Leh Palace built in the 17 century AD by King Singey Namgyal. This nine storey palace has been taken on by the Archeological Survey of India for renovation work.
Day 3 : Leh.
Today you visit Shey, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Located 15 Kms south of Leh, Shey was the seat of power of the first King of Ladakh who constructed the Hilltop Fortress. The ruins of the Fort can be seen above the present Shey Palace (17th Century AD). A three storey image of Buddha Sakyamuni made of copper gilt dominates the Shey Monastery. After your tour in Shey you visit Thiksey Monastery just 3 Kms away, is beautiful monastery is regarded as the most stunning in Ladakh. Then head to the famous Hemis Monastery built in 1630, it is considered to be the largest and richest in Ladakh. Your last stop of the day is Stok located 14 kms south east of Leh and home to the Royal family. During your tour you visit Stok Palace and Museum built in 1825, it is home to a collection of royal dresses, King's crown and other interesting antiques.
Day 4 : Leh / Pangong
After an early breakfast, enjoy a drive to Pangong Lake – 150 km over Changla Pass (5300 mts). Overnight in camp/resort.
Day 5 : Pangong / Leh
During the morning you can explore the beautiful Pangong Lake. Situated at an altitude of 4218mts above sea level this is the largest Brakish Lake in Asia, covering an area of approximately 700sq.km, the widest part of lake lies in the Indian territory, however rest lies in Tibet and China. This long and barrow expanse of deep blue water is flanked on the north by the Changchenmo range and the Pangong Mountains and an offshoot of the Ladakh range on its southern edge. There is no marine life; however one can see migratory birds such as gulls, Brahmini ducks and the occasional mallard breeding at the small junctions of inlet streams. After admiring the lake you head back to Leh in the afternoon.
Overnight stay.
Day 6 : Leh / Nubra
This morning you visit Nubra valley on the ancient 'Silk Route' over Khardong La pass (5570 mts), this is the world's highest motor pass. This evening you visit Samstanling monastery above Sumur village. Overnight stay will be a Camp at Sumoor or a hotel at Hundar Village – 150 km/5-6 hrs.
Day 7 : Nubra
Today you explore 400 year old Diskit monastery and the Hundar village. Nubra is famous for its double humped Camels and travellers can enjoy a camel ride on the Hundar Sand dunes (optional).
Day 8 : Nubra / Leh
Morning at leisure. This afternoon you head back to Leh.
Overnight stay.
Day 9 : Leh
A full day sightseeing of Alchi , Likir and Ridzong Monasteries.
Overnight stay.
Day 10 : Leh / Delhi by flight
After breakfast you check out and take a short ride to the airport to board your flight for Delhi. Upon arrival a representative will met you at the airport and escort you to your transportation to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
Day 11 : Depart Leh
Enjoy breakfast then check out for a short ride to the airport to board flight for London Heathrow.
Offer Includes:
- International flights for the London Heathrow to Delhi on Kingfisher
- Airport taxes
- 2 nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- 8 nights on full board basis during stay in Leh
- Return airport transfer in Delhi by air-conditioned car and jeep in Leh
- Entrance fees to the monuments and services of local english speaking guides during tour in Leh
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
