Day 1: Delhi to Leh (Arrival)

You will arrive Leh by a morning flight and then transfer to the hotel for check-in. After welcome drinks and completion of check-in formalities, you must take complete rest to acclimatize with the high altitude.

Leh is located at 3500 m above sea level and some people can feel discomfort due to rarefied air at this high altitude. This is why it is mandatory to acclimatise fully before beginning any sightseeing or exploration in Leh. This magnificent destination is framed by the Himalayan ranges and offer stunning vistas of barren landscapes that are a photographer’s delight. The stark land is dotted with beautiful monasteries and stupas. Bustling old towns with their markets, souvenir shops and cafes are delightful to explore.

Late in the afternoon, you will drive to the city for a short orientation walk through the busy market. You will also visit the Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa. Overlooking the town of Leh, the majestic Leh Palace is a sight to behold. This was the former royal residence before the family moved to Stok Palace. The abandoned palace complex now houses a museum which has a rich collection of arts and artefacts including Chinese thangkas (paintings), crowns, jewellery, ceremonials dresses, and some restored bits of murals and interior décor. The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist in 1991 as a part of the Peace Pagoda mission. This stunning white stupa holds the holy relics of the Buddha and is a great place to meditate and soak in the beauty of the surrounding.

Return to the hotel after the visit for dinner and overnight stay.

 

Day 2: Excursion to Sham Valley (65 Kms / 4 Hours)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive downstream along River Indus on the Leh - Kargil Highway. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Hall of Fame - a museum constructed by Indian Army in honour and memory of the fallen soldiers in the different wars fought in this region. It is a chilling testimony of the brave heroes who defend the nation, and a must-visit for every Indian.

Next, you will visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, constructed in 1517 in memory of Guru Nanak Devji at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level. It is located about 25 km from Leh and has many interesting stories attached to it. Visit this sacred site and listen to the anecdotes before moving on to the famous Magnetic Hill that defy the laws of gravity.

On your way to the Magnetic Hill, stop and marvel at the famous confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers. It is a fascinating place where you can see the two colours of the rivers merge into one. Next, you will proceed to the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and they date back to the 11th century. It is one of the oldest Buddhist learning centres in this region and has exquisite artwork, wooden carvings and Buddhist statues within its complex.

You will visit Likir Monastery on your way back to Leh from Alchi. The most popular attraction of this 11th century gompa is the 25 feet gold-covered statue of Lord Buddha. It also offers spectacular views of the surroundings. The structure that you see today is not the original one built in 11th century but the one that was re-built in 18th century as restoration following a devastating fire.

Drive back to your hotel in Leh after a full day of sightseeing for dinner and overnight stay.

 

Day 3: Leh - Nubra Valley via Khardung La (120 Km)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Nubra Valley. Your drive through breathtaking mountains also passes over Khardung La, located at a height of 18390 feet / 5602 metres above sea level. This is the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass you can get an unbroken view of the Indus valley all they way to the majestic peaks of the Zanskar range in the south and the giant sentinel-like ridges of Saser Massif in the north.

Continue your journey to Nubra Valley nestled between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. It is also known as “Ldumra” or “Valley of Flowers” and was once a prosperous centre on the trans-Himalayan Silk Route. This quaint valley and its settlements are located at an average height of 10000 feet above sea level. Cheerful prayer flags fluttering high on the hills, Buddhist monasteries and fields of barley greet you as you enter Nubra Valley. Proceed to Hunder to check-in to your hotel / camp.

Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. You can walk around the tiny villages near your hotel / camp to get a glimpse of the lives of local people. We can arrange for a visit to a Ladakhi home where you can interact with them if you are interested.

Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel / camp.

 

Day 4: Excursion to Turtuk (83 Kms) Hunder Village

Today you will proceed for an excursion to Turtuk, the northernmost village of India and the last village of Nubra towards the end of the Pakistan border. Slate grey mountains surround this quaint little village which is almost off-the-grid. It has been recently opened to visitors and the retains its unique Turtuk culture and traditions. The people here speak Balti, a language that uses sounds in Tibetan that are no longer used in modern Tibetan parlance. Apricot orchards and the Shyok River flowing near the village make it an unforgettable experience.

On your way to Turtuk, you will also visit Diskit village. Here you will see the Diskit monastery that is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries. The Maitreya Buddha statue that is 106 feet tall is the most popular attraction of the monastery. It was consecrated by his Holiness, The Dalai Lama in 2010. Spectacular natural beauty and striking white chortens and stupas greet you on your arrival at Diskit.

You will also visit the Bogdang Village. This is also a Balti village which seems to be stuck in time. Explore the surroundings of this quaint village before heading back to Hunder.

Overnight stay at the camp in Hunder Village.

 

Day 5: Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake (150 km / 5 Hr)

After an early breakfast at the hotel / camp, you will check out and proceed for your drive towards Pangong Lake. The drive will take you via Agham and Shyok Valley. Your journey will take you through rough patches of roads with tough driving conditions. However, the unparalleled views that await you on your journey makes it all worth the pains.

After you have traversed the adventurous part of the drive, you will continue towards Durbuk and Tangtse. You will also pass through few charming hamlets of Changthang on your way to Pangong. As you near your destination, you are suddenly greeted by the startling blue waters of the lake. Situated at a height of 14000 feet / 4267 metres above sea level, the Pangong Lake is a sight that you will never forget. Amidst the brown and grey mountains that surround it, the lake glitters like a jewel and creates an enticing sight for visitors. It has been featured in many Bollywood movies and it is a great place to take photographs for your social media feed.

Upon your arrival at the lake, you will proceed to your pre-arranged camp for overnight stay.

 

Day 6: Pangong Lake- Leh via Changla Pass (149 Km)

The morning is at leisure when you can explore the ethereal beauty of the Pangong Lake. After you have spent enough time to admire its otherworldly splendour, you will drive back to Leh via the Changla Pass. The Changla Pass is located at a height of 5848 metres above sea level and offers stunning views of the valley below. You will also stop en-route at the Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Druk Padma Karpo School (Rancho’s school from 3 Idiots).

The Hemis Gumpa or Monastery is both the biggest and most important monastery in Ladakh. It is highly revered by Buddhists from around the world. The famous Hemis Festival is held at this monastery. It also houses impressive gold statues and stupas bedecked with precious stones.

The Thiksey Monastery is another spectacular monastery that you will see on your way to Leh. This tiered monastery is a sight to behold and is a classic example of traditional Buddhist architecture. The complex is impressive in both size and structure. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Drive 5 kms along the picturesque landscape to reach Shey Palace or Shey Monastery which was the ancient capital of Ladakh. The complex is also built in tiers and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. The gilded statue of Buddha as Shakyamuni is the main attraction of this monastery / palace. There are also many murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha within the monastery.

Last stop on your way to Leh is the Druk Padma Karpo School which was made famous as Rancho’s school in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. This unique centre of learning focuses on education and construction that can adapt to constant change. This award-winning school is a great place to learn about different sustainable means that the building employs to run itself.

After the visit, continue to Leh and check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

 

Day 7: Leh to Delhi (Departure)

The day is at leisure till you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Bid adieu to the magical land of Ladakh with fond memories of picture-perfect sceneries & breathtaking architecture.

 

Tentative Itinerary

Note: Above Itinerary is just indicative. Do not consider it as a Final Schedule. Date & Time of Tours can be changed by Local Agent / Tour Operator.