Leh Ladakh Tour

LADAKH TOUR

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.

In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water.

Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about 27-degree Celcius in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20-degree Celcius even in Leh. Surprisingly, though, the thin air makes the heat of the sun even more intense than at lower altitudes; it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Geographical:
Ladakh is sandwiched between two vast mountain systems, the Karakoram to the north and the Himalaya to the south. Covering an area of about 60,000 sq km and ranging in elevation from 2600m to 7070 m, it is the largest and highest district in India. The Indus valley is the Ladakhi heartland, with the highest population density, and large amounts of agricultural land. Running parallel, roughly north-east south-west with it are a series of valleys and mountain ranges. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys.
Climate:
Ladakh is the country's coldest, highest and the driest zone. Ladakh has a cool and generally dry mountain climate. Much of Ladakh is above 11,000 feet (3,350 M). Therefore, you can expect warm to hot days in the summer and cool nights. In winter the temp may drop as low as -35*C. There is occasional snowfall in winter caused by "Western Disturbances". Summer days are generally warm, 25-30*C. Annual rainfall does not normally exceed 10cm/3.5 in though over the past decade or so there have been occasional spells of unusually heavy rainfall.
Historical Outline:
Information on Ladakh before the birth of the kingdom (10th century) is scarce. Ladakh can hardly be considered a separate political entity before the establishment of the kingdom about 950 CE, after the collapse of the early Tibetan Empire and the border regions became independent kingdoms under independent rulers, most of who came from branches of the Tibetan royal family.
Earliest History:
The earliest layer in the population of Ladakh was probably composed of the Dardi. Herodotus mentions twice a people called Dadikai, first along with the Gandarioi, and again in the catalogue of king Xerxes's army invading Greece. Herodotus also mentions the gold-digging ants of Central Asia, which is also later mentioned in connection with the Dardi people by Nearchus, the admiral of Alexander, and Megasthenes
Ladakhi Language:
The language of Ladakh is Ladakhi, a Tibetan dialect with written Ladakhi being the same as Tibetan. Tibetans can learn Ladakhi easily but Tibetan is difficult to speak for Ladakhis. Spoken Ladakhi is closer to the Tibetan spoken in Western Tibet. Ladakhi language is a shared culture platform which brings the Muslims and Buddhists together as one people of this Himalayan region. Ladakhis usually know Hindi and often English.
Ladakhi food:
Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being: Thukpa, noodle soup; and Tsumpa, known in Ladakhi as Ngampe, roasted barley flour, eatable without cooking it makes useful if dull trekking food.
A dish that is strictly Ladakhi is the sky, a heavy pasta dish with root vegetables.
Flora & Fauna of Ladakh:
Ladakh's flora and fauna are more similar to those of Tibet than to the main Himalaya and are a product of the dry climate, cold winters and short growing season. The animals of Ladakh have much in common with the animals of Central Asia generally, and especially those of the Tibetan Plateau. Famous Destinations:

  • Zanskar (also Zangskar ) is a region in Ladakh north-west India. It is famous for its stunning scenery and Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries. It borders on Ladakh to which it is almost identical from an outsider's point of view, only being more remote and less densely populated, with less infrastructure.
  • Nubra valley, north of Leh, located between the Ladakh Range and the Lofty eastern Karakoram mountains, lies Nubra, a region part green, part rocky and barren and part, rather surprisingly Desert and camels too. A region is very unique in itself.
  • Pangong Lake, this vast lake, 150km long and 4 km wide, stretches from the northeast of Ladakh across the border of Tibet. There are some interesting birds around the lake shore including a few pairs of the very rare endangered black-necked crane.
  • Tsomoriri Lake, this high altitude lake is situated in the Rupshu region of eastern Ladakh near the border with Tibet. The mountains to the east of the Lake are crowned by two of Ladakh's highest summits, the Lungser Kangri (6666m/21,870 ft) and to its north, Chamser Kangri (6622m/21,712 ft).
  • Dha hanu, downstream from Khaltse along the lower Indus, live a group of people known as Brokpas, an isolated people of the purest Aryan stock who are racially, and in some ways culturally, very different from most Ladakhis. They are the only ones to have preserved their unique form of Buddhism which is mixed with the pre-Buddhist animistic religion, Bon.

Monasteries of Ladakh

  1. Lamayuru Gompa
    Location 125 Km from Leh
    Founded in 11th century by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa
  2. Alchi Gompa
    Location 67 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1000 AD by Rinchen Zangpo1000 AD
  3. Likir Gompa
    Location 60 Km from Leh
    Founded in the 9th century by Lama Duwang Chusje
  4. Rhizong
    Location 70 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1831 AD by Lama Tsultim Nima
  5. Phyang Monastery
    Location 26 Km from Leh
    Founded in1515 by Chosje Damma Kunga
  6. Spituk Monastery
    Location 7 Km from Leh
    Founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od in 11th century
  7. Namgyal Tsemo
    Location in Leh town Just above the Leh Palace on a Hill
    Founded by King Tashi Namgyal in 1430 AD
  8. Sankar Gompa
    Location 1 Km north of Leh
  9. Shanti Stupa
    Situated in Leh Town near Changspa
    Founded by a Japanese Monk in 1984
  10. Chemrey Gompa
    Location: 45 Km
    Founded in 17th century by Lama Tagsang Raschen
  11. Hemis Monastery
    Location: 46 Km
    Founded in 1630 by the First incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso
  12. Stakna Monastery
    Location 25 Kms from Leh
    Founded by Chosje Jamyang Palkar in the 16th century.
  13. Thiksey Gompa
    Location Thicksey Village 20 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1430 AD. By Spon Paldan Sherab, nephew of Sherab Zangpo
  14. Shey Palace & Gompa
    Location: 14 Kms from Leh
    Founded by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century
  15. Stok Gompa
    Location 14 km from Leh
    Lama Lhawang Lotus in 14th Century
  16. Diskit Gompa
    Location: Nubra valley 130 Kms from Leh Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in 14th century.

LADAKH - PLACE OF INTEREST

Zaskar

About 20 km. South of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland adorned with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow covered peaks. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of the watershed to the head of the Stod Valley, one of Zanskar's main tributary valleys, the majestic "Drang-Drung" glacier looms into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow, the Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda River, the main tributary of river Zanskar, rises.


Zanskar comprises a tri-armed valley system lying between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar Mountain; the three arms radiate star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse where the region's two principal drainage's meet to form the main Zanskar River. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that the region's 10,000 strong, mainly Buddhists population lives. Spread over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq. km. High rise, mountains and deep gorges surround Zanskar. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in the closure of all the access passes, including the Penzi-la. To-day, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangrila stand a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments? Some of these religious foundations have evolved around remote meditation caves believed to have been used by a succession of famous Buddhist saints for prolonged meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.


The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid-July to early November. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.

Padum

Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most populous settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley. Incidentally, it is only in Padum that there is a community of Muslims constituting nearly half the township's population, its origin in the area dating from mid 17th century. Lately, Padum has become famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination. Several places of tourist interest in the vicinity of the township can be visited in the course of entertaining walks. The nearest monument is a set of an ancient rock carving on a huge boulder near the river bank, just below the old township. These date from the 8th century and provide epigraphic evidence that the region was under the influence of North Indian Buddhism since ancient times. The Starrimo Monastery with about 30 resident monks clings to a tree-covered ridge above the old town. Across the expanse of cultivation lies the old village of Pibiting, dominated by its picturesque hilltop monastery, a superb manifestation of stupa architecture.

How to Reach?

The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid-July to early November. The J&K SRTC operates thrice-weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However, groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to the opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from Panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.

LADAKH TOUR

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.

In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water.

Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about 27-degree Celcius in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20-degree Celcius even in Leh. Surprisingly, though, the thin air makes the heat of the sun even more intense than at lower altitudes; it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Geographical:
Ladakh is sandwiched between two vast mountain systems, the Karakoram to the north and the Himalaya to the south. Covering an area of about 60,000 sq km and ranging in elevation from 2600m to 7070 m, it is the largest and highest district in India. The Indus valley is the Ladakhi heartland, with the highest population density, and large amounts of agricultural land. Running parallel, roughly north-east south-west with it are a series of valleys and mountain ranges. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys.
Climate:
Ladakh is the country's coldest, highest and the driest zone. Ladakh has a cool and generally dry mountain climate. Much of Ladakh is above 11,000 feet (3,350 M). Therefore, you can expect warm to hot days in the summer and cool nights. In winter the temp may drop as low as -35*C. There is occasional snowfall in winter caused by "Western Disturbances". Summer days are generally warm, 25-30*C. Annual rainfall does not normally exceed 10cm/3.5 in though over the past decade or so there have been occasional spells of unusually heavy rainfall.
Historical Outline:
Information on Ladakh before the birth of the kingdom (10th century) is scarce. Ladakh can hardly be considered a separate political entity before the establishment of the kingdom about 950 CE, after the collapse of the early Tibetan Empire and the border regions became independent kingdoms under independent rulers, most of who came from branches of the Tibetan royal family.
Earliest History:
The earliest layer in the population of Ladakh was probably composed of the Dardi. Herodotus mentions twice a people called Dadikai, first along with the Gandarioi, and again in the catalogue of king Xerxes's army invading Greece. Herodotus also mentions the gold-digging ants of Central Asia, which is also later mentioned in connection with the Dardi people by Nearchus, the admiral of Alexander, and Megasthenes
Ladakhi Language:
The language of Ladakh is Ladakhi, a Tibetan dialect with written Ladakhi being the same as Tibetan. Tibetans can learn Ladakhi easily but Tibetan is difficult to speak for Ladakhis. Spoken Ladakhi is closer to the Tibetan spoken in Western Tibet. Ladakhi language is a shared culture platform which brings the Muslims and Buddhists together as one people of this Himalayan region. Ladakhis usually know Hindi and often English.
Ladakhi food:
Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being: Thukpa, noodle soup; and Tsumpa, known in Ladakhi as Ngampe, roasted barley flour, eatable without cooking it makes useful if dull trekking food.
A dish that is strictly Ladakhi is the sky, a heavy pasta dish with root vegetables.
Flora & Fauna of Ladakh:
Ladakh's flora and fauna are more similar to those of Tibet than to the main Himalaya and are a product of the dry climate, cold winters and short growing season. The animals of Ladakh have much in common with the animals of Central Asia generally, and especially those of the Tibetan Plateau. Famous Destinations:

  • Zanskar (also Zangskar ) is a region in Ladakh north-west India. It is famous for its stunning scenery and Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries. It borders on Ladakh to which it is almost identical from an outsider's point of view, only being more remote and less densely populated, with less infrastructure.
  • Nubra valley, north of Leh, located between the Ladakh Range and the Lofty eastern Karakoram mountains, lies Nubra, a region part green, part rocky and barren and part, rather surprisingly Desert and camels too. A region is very unique in itself.
  • Pangong Lake, this vast lake, 150km long and 4 km wide, stretches from the northeast of Ladakh across the border of Tibet. There are some interesting birds around the lake shore including a few pairs of the very rare endangered black-necked crane.
  • Tsomoriri Lake, this high altitude lake is situated in the Rupshu region of eastern Ladakh near the border with Tibet. The mountains to the east of the Lake are crowned by two of Ladakh's highest summits, the Lungser Kangri (6666m/21,870 ft) and to its north, Chamser Kangri (6622m/21,712 ft).
  • Dha hanu, downstream from Khaltse along the lower Indus, live a group of people known as Brokpas, an isolated people of the purest Aryan stock who are racially, and in some ways culturally, very different from most Ladakhis. They are the only ones to have preserved their unique form of Buddhism which is mixed with the pre-Buddhist animistic religion, Bon.

Monasteries of Ladakh

  1. Lamayuru Gompa
    Location 125 Km from Leh
    Founded in 11th century by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa
  2. Alchi Gompa
    Location 67 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1000 AD by Rinchen Zangpo1000 AD
  3. Likir Gompa
    Location 60 Km from Leh
    Founded in the 9th century by Lama Duwang Chusje
  4. Rhizong
    Location 70 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1831 AD by Lama Tsultim Nima
  5. Phyang Monastery
    Location 26 Km from Leh
    Founded in1515 by Chosje Damma Kunga
  6. Spituk Monastery
    Location 7 Km from Leh
    Founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od in 11th century
  7. Namgyal Tsemo
    Location in Leh town Just above the Leh Palace on a Hill
    Founded by King Tashi Namgyal in 1430 AD
  8. Sankar Gompa
    Location 1 Km north of Leh
  9. Shanti Stupa
    Situated in Leh Town near Changspa
    Founded by a Japanese Monk in 1984
  10. Chemrey Gompa
    Location: 45 Km
    Founded in 17th century by Lama Tagsang Raschen
  11. Hemis Monastery
    Location: 46 Km
    Founded in 1630 by the First incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso
  12. Stakna Monastery
    Location 25 Kms from Leh
    Founded by Chosje Jamyang Palkar in the 16th century.
  13. Thiksey Gompa
    Location Thicksey Village 20 Km from Leh
    Founded in 1430 AD. By Spon Paldan Sherab, nephew of Sherab Zangpo
  14. Shey Palace & Gompa
    Location: 14 Kms from Leh
    Founded by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century
  15. Stok Gompa
    Location 14 km from Leh
    Lama Lhawang Lotus in 14th Century
  16. Diskit Gompa
    Location: Nubra valley 130 Kms from Leh Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in 14th century.

LADAKH FESTIVALS

In Ladakh, every occasion marriage, birth, harvesting, the commemoration of head Lamas founding of the monastery, Losar (new year) and flowering is marked by feasting, dancing and the singing of folksongs that forms a part of its living heritage. Most of the festivals are held in winter but some popular festival takes place in summer too. The monastic festivals are the heart of all the festivals. They are performed by Monks wearing colourful silk garments and different facial mask.

  • Hemis Festival
    Hemis festival is one of the most famous monastic festivals in June to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. The sacred dance drama of the life and mission is performed wearing facial masks and colourful brocades robes. The three-day festival takes place from 9th to 11th. Especially the monkey year festival, which comes in a cycle of 12 years. During it, the four-storey thanka of Guru Padma Sambhava is hung in the courtyard and other precious Thankas are also exhibited.
  • Thiksey, Karsha and Spituk Gustor
    Gustors take place at Thiksey, Spituk and Karsha in different months of the year. The festival takes place for two days. The celebration is to mark the victory over evils. The mask worn by the dancers represents the Guardians, Protectors and the Gods and Goddesses. The festival ends with the symbolic assassination of evils and burning of the effigy of evils.
  • Dosmochey
    Dosmochey is celebrated in Leh (Leh Palace), Liker (Lower Ladakh) and Deskit (Nubra valley) monasteries in February. The most famous among all is Leh Dosmochey, which is celebrated for two days in the courtyards of the Leh Palace. The monks from different monasteries perform the Chams every year turn by turn. The festival takes place in the end and starting of the Tibetan New Year. The monks of Takthok monastery prepares the offering with Thread crosses which binds all the evil, hungry ghosts and guard against natural disaster in the coming year. On the second day of the festival, the offerings are taken out of the town in a procession and burn it while people whistle to chase away the evil spirits.
  • Matho Nagrang
    Matho Nagrang is celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st month of Tibetan calendar, at Matho monastery, the only monastery of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. During these two days of the festival, mask dances are performed by monks of the monastery wearing colourful silk brocaded robes and mask in different forms of God and Goddesses. The festival is famous because of the appearance of the two oracles during the festival after full month meditation in complete isolation. The two oracles appear in the courtyard accompanying mask dancers and predict future ¬¬events and people from far and away come to seek advice to perform a ritual to tackle disasters.
  • Stok Guru Tsechu
    The monks of Stok and Spituk monasteries also celebrate Stok Guru Tsechu for two days with mask dances performed. It is also held in Feb. around a week before the Matho Nagrang. During the festival, two oracle appears, but they are laymen from the same village prepared by monks to receive the spirit of the deities.
  • Phyang Tsedup
    Phyang Tsedup takes place in July / August. Like other monasteries, monks wearing colourful brocade robes and Mask in the form of different god and goddesses perform mask dances. The huge thanka of Skyoba Giksten Gonbo is hung in the courtyard during the festival.
  • Yuru Kabgyat
    The 2-day festival takes place in July in Lamayuru monastery around 125 km. from Leh. Monks like other monastic festival perform mask dances. During the festival, monks perform prayer and rituals to get rid of disaster and peace in the world.
  • Losar Celebration
    The Losar (New Year) celebration is followed by Galdan Namchot, the birth anniversary of Tsogkha pa who introduced Gelukpa School of order. During Namchot people illuminate their houses, monasteries and mountains and make offerings in the houses and monasteries.
    The Losar festival is celebrated in the eleventh month of Tibetan calendar, two months ahead of Tibetan New Year. In the early 17th century, King Jamyang Namgyal decided to lead an expedition against the Baltistan forces in winter; therefore he decided to celebrate the festival two months before. Later it became a tradition and being celebrated in the eleventh month. The festival lasts for around a month, during which Gods, deities, ancestors and even the animals are fed without fail. Images of Ibex are made an auspicious symbol, walls of the kitchens are dotted and are believed to bring prosperity in the coming year. The Metho (procession of fire) is thrown out chanting slogans and chasing hungry ghosts and evil spirits, and they return with rocks of ice as an auspicious symbol and these are kept in the store. In some villages, there is a tradition of making Old men and women, from this snow which lasts for a week. Overall the Losar all children and young and olds enjoy and celebrate the festival. All family members get together to celebrate if someone missing will have their cups filled with tea by their name.
  • Sindhu Darshan (Visit Indus) Festival
    Sindhu Darshan is a three-day festival held from 1st to 3rd June, in Shey Manla around 8 km. from Leh on the bank of Indus river. For the first time, it was organized in October 1997, as a symbol of unity and Communal harmony and national integration. Whilst promoting domestic tourism in Ladakh. It is also a symbolic salute to brave soldiers of India who have been fighting not only with enemies in the in the human form but also in the form of nature.

LADAKH JEEP SAFARI

Manali to Leh

The 472 km overland journey is open for around three months in a year, from June to end of September. This trip can be extended to Nubra valley across Khardongla pass, the highest motorable road in the world or to Srinagar after crossing Zojila Pass. The Manali to Leh drive can be completed in two days with an overnight stay at Serchu or Darcha. Another option is to drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake but will have to arrange your tour through tour operator from Leh, who can send you a permit to enter Tsomoriri Lake with a local taxi.

The journey starts from Manali driving through the lush green and foggy Rohtang Pass (3980 m. The landscape surprisingly changes into the rugged brown of the rain shadow area of Lahaul. The landscape changes into the naked desert after crossing a few villages of Lahul with prayer flags on their roofs. You will start ascending Baralacha Pass and you can see surprisingly sprawling plain areas of Serhcu where you will spend a night in tented Camp. Further, there are many small passes before you cross Taklang La pass Taglangla at 5330m to reach Rumtse and Gya village. An hour drive from Runtse takes you to Upshi where you cross Indus river enter Indus valley with dotted villages on its bank and beautiful monasteries built on a hillside. You journey finishes at Leh making it a drive of a lifetime experience.

Pangong Lake
The Pangong Lake is 160 km from Leh, with spectacular view colourful mountains and Changla pass. The scenic view of colourful mountains throughout the journey makes your trip memorable.

The drive begins with a photogenic view of Thiksey monastery, famous for its architectural similarities with Potala Palace of Lhasa. The monastery covers an entire mountain ridge. Beyond this village, you will drive towards Changla pass, leaving the Leh Manali road on your right-hand side. The long easy ascent to takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can enjoy a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through many small villages of Changthang and finally, you can have a sudden view of the lake. The Pangong Lake is dramatic, surrounded by colourful mountains and it's reflection makes the lake beautiful. The colour of the lake changes into different colour throughout the day. The division of lake between India and China makes it different than the other Lake. Therefore you are allowed to go up to Spangmik only.

Tsomoriri Lake
Around 240 km journey to Tsomoriri Lake passes through Shey, Thiksey, Upshi and many small villages along the Indus river. The hot spring at Chumathang (3965 m) comes after driving for around 100 km with a hot spring Resort where you can bath in hot spring water which Ladakhis uses for healing. After an hour drive, you will cross Maya bridge and drive up to Tsomoriri (4555 m) through Puga village through a bumpy road. Puga is known for its sulphur and borax deposits. Full day walking tour of Tsomoriri Lake includes a visit to Karzok monastery and Nomad Camp above the village.

The Tsomoriri is the starting point for trekking to Spiti through its traditional route through Parang La (5580m) The "Changpas" nomadic people, has trade relation with Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black-necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. There are options to drive to Manali via Tsokar Lake and Serchu.

Nubra Valley
Nubra is located in the north of Leh around 120 km across the Khardong La (18,380ft). .Nubra means "Ldumra" which used to be an important station on the famous silk route leading from Leh to Kashgar through the two passes of Saser and Karakoram. The main attractions of this area are the Bactarian Camels (Double Humped Camels), Khardung-La Pass (world's highest motorable road at 18,380 feet) and the monasteries like Deskit and Samstaling.

The drive to Nubra Valley leads through Khardung-La (18380 ft), which is about 39 km from Leh. Camel Safari can be organized from Deskit to Hundar Village for 2 hours. This tour can be extended for 2 nights / 3 days by visiting Panamik village and Sumur.

DAY 01: Delhi

Arrive Delhi. Assistance on arrival, transferred to hotel . Rest of the day is a leisure to recover from the flight.

DAY 02: Fly Delhi - Leh

Early this morning, you will be transferred to the domestic airport in Delhi for your trans-Himalayan flight to Leh. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Guide and transferred to your hotel. We recommend you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable yourseles acclimatize to rarefied air of this remote region ensconced in the high himalayan plateau. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 03: Leh - Half day tour

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you as you explore the ancient town of Leh on foot. After a couple of hours, return to your hotel for lunch. After lunch you are driven west to visit the Shanti Stupa, inaugurated in 1983 by H.H.Dalai Lama, the peace Pagoda, whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of Buddha, is one of the several monuments errected around India by peace sect of Japanese Buddhists. Following that, you are driven to Sankar Monastery nestled amid the shimmering coppices & terraced fields of Barley. Sankar monestry: The Gompa (Monestry in local language), contains a formidable collection of miniature stattues of pure gold and ancient paintings(called Thangkas) also done with gold. We return to our hotel in the evening.

DAY 04: Leh -Hemis - Thiksey - Shey

After breakfast, we visit the Hemis monastry, the biggest and the wealthiest in Ladakh. You walk past the Chortens and the Mani walls to enter the complex through the east gate. From Hemis, you are driven westwards to Thiksey monastry, located on a hilltop with formidable views of the Indus valley. After visiting the interiors of the monestry the tour continues to Shey the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Finally we drive back to Leh to our hotel.

Day 05: Leh - Alchi

After breakfast, we start our drive to Alchi, 70 kms west of Leh, south of the village of Saspol . On arrival at Uletokpo camp, we check-in and followed with lunch. After lunch, we drive back to visit Alchi village & the monestry. Alchi's large temple complex founded in the 11th century is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh and a jewel of monastic skill. You will also have an opportunity to witness villagers using primitive methods to grind the wheat along the road side. After our visit to the Alchi monastry, we drive back to our campsite.

DAY 06: Alchi - Lamayuru - Alchi

After early breakfast, we drive towards west to Lamayuru.We visit the Lamayuru Monestry founded, properly called Yung-drung(Swastika) founded in the 11th centuary perched on a spur high above the valley bottom just off the main road, it is one of the most spectacularly picturesque gompas(Gompa means Monestry in local language) in central ladakh, as it descends from the Fa-tula to KhalatsesetLamayuru, properly called Yung-drung(Swastika) is believed to be the oldest in central Ladakh and to have been the holy place of the Bon-chos the advent of Buddhism. Afternoon picnic lunch at the Lamayuru village. After Lunch, explore Lamayuru village on foot, then we drive back to Uletokpo camp.

DAY 07: Uletokpo Camp - Leh enroute Likir Monestry

After a early tea/coffee, we drive to visit Ridzong Monestry. The track to Ridzong leaves the main road along the Indus at Uletokpo, between Saspol and Nyurla and follow the valley of a tributery stream, we leave the vechile and set on foot a kilometer upthe valley to Ridzong Monestry. Ridzong is is the only Nunnery Monestry in Ladakh. After that we descend, to drive back to our campsite, followed with breakfast. After breakfast we start our drive to Leh, enroute visit the Likir Monestry set up on a hill top of a low hill, it was re-founded in the 15th century by the Gelupa Sect(Yellow Sect). After that we continue our drive on the left bank of the Indus river to Leh. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon/Evening at leisure.

DAY 08: Leh - Saboo - Leh

After breakfast, we drive to Saboo village to see the village life of Ladakh. We visit the Local Buddhist house to see the private chapels and also visit the traditional Kitchen and get a demonstration of preparing Gur Gur tea(Local tea mixed with milk, butter & salt). Afternoon picnic lunch at a local house, then continue to drive back to Leh. Evening free to exlore the local market of foot / at leisure.

DAY 09 : Leh - Stok - Tibetan Handicraft

After breakfast, we drive to visit the Stok palace, the former residence of the Royal family of Ladakh. We visit the museum in which the family's heirlooms and relics are displayed, a piogant evocation of Ladakh's vanished past as an independent kingdom. Ladakh well known as SOS Village. We visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre / Tibetan school. After that we continue our drive to Leh. We then drive to Choglamsar, which is the largest settlement of Tibetan refugee, Village in Afternoon free to explore/at leisure.

DAY 10: Leh

After breakfast, being the last day optional visit to the local market .

DAY 11: Fly, Leh - Delhi

After early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Leh for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to a hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure

DAY 12: Delhi

DAY 13: Delhi

After breakfast, we set of for a tour of Old & New Delhi. Lunch at the hotel.

DAY 14: Departure Cost: Ask for Quotation

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis for the duration of the tour in the itinerary.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Coach transfers from First day meeting point of the group to the last day of the dropping point of the group of the tour.
  • All entrance fees of the sightseeing places mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Services of the Tour Manager from the first day of meeting point to the last day dropping point of the tour.
  • Guide Tips, Driver tips & Restaurant Tips.
  • A complimentary travel bag and cap.
  • Cost of any internal airfare if specified in the itinerary.
  • Cost of Rail or Airfare to and from the meeting and dropping place of the tour except Airport to Airport Tours / specifically mentioned in the tour itinerary.
  • Cost of any individual Airport / Railway station transfer
  • Any Increase in the Airfare / Hotel tariff charges.
  • Any Increase in the fuel surcharge or any kind of taxes levied by the respective government or statutory bodies.
  • Porterage (Coolie charges), laundry, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water (unless specified), telephone charges, shopping, all items of personal nature and also food and drinks not forming the part of the group menus.
  • Cost of Insurance
  • Extra stay pre/post tour.
  • Any extra expenses incurred for changing the route due to any unforeseen circumstances, forced majuire instances, natural calamities, political disturbances, strikes etc.
  • Extra cost incurred due to illness, accident, hospitalization or any Individual unforeseen cost incurring incidence.
  • Any private transfers taken to move from one place to another instead of coach
  • Additional extra topping if taken
  • If any activity/sightseeing done twice
  • Any add-on sightseeing/activities along with transfers if done other than mentioned in the tour program.
  • Fur coats/Jackets to visit snow point or any special attire required to visit any particular sightseeing place.
  • Premium seat charges
  • Medicines required if any.
  • Service or Government taxes as applicable

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