Take a journey into the mystical land of Ladakh, one of the last enclaves of Mahayana Buddhism which is most evident in Ladakh’s medieval monasteries: perched on rocky hilltops and clinging to sheer cliffs. This is a journey abounding with rich history, enduring culture, dramatic landscape and quaint villages. Visit high mountain passes of Khardung la, Chang la, Tannglang la and Baralacha la; sit by the serenity of crystal clear high mountain lakes of Tso Moriri, Tso Kar and Pangong Tso; feel the spirituality at centuries old monasteries of Hemis, Tiksey and Alchi; drive through some of the most dramatic mountain landscape in the world passing through dry arid mountains of different hues of brown and grey and shaped through centuries by wind and climate; visit Nubra Valley sand dunes for a ride on the double humped camels and stay at some beautiful locations from lake side tents to village home stays.
ITINERARY
Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri & Manali (11n / 12d)
Day 1 – Leh : Arrive in Leh and transfer to Hotel. Day for acclimatizing to the high altitude and exploring Leh town and market. Check out the food and shopping options at the local markets or tourist areas. Overnight in Leh.
Day 2 – Leh – Hemis – Tiksey – Leh ( Monasteries Tour ) : Today we have a full day monastic tour. We visit Tiksey and Hemis Monastery, two of the most important monasteries of the region. Hemis is the largest monastery in Ladakh in terms of number of monks staying there at any given time. While returning to Leh we visit Shey Palace ( the summer retreat of the former Kings of Ladakh ) and the War Museum . Overnight at Leh .
Day 3 – Leh – Khardungla pass – Nubra Valley : After breakfast, leave for Nubra Valley, driving across Khardong-la (alt: 18,380 ft), the highest motor able pass in the world. Northwards along the Nubra or Shayok river lie the villages of Hunder, Diskit, Sumur, Kyagar , Tirith, Panamik and few others which comprises the Nubra Valley. Visit the sand dunes for a camel ride on the double humped central asian bactrian camels. Overnight at the home stay / guesthouse. Overnight at Nubra valley.
Day 4 – Nubra Valley to Leh : After breakfast leave for Leh and on the way visit Diskit Gompa ( Monastery ). Overnight in Leh.
Day 5 – Leh to Pangong Lake : After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake, a high altitude endorhic lake located at an altitude of 14500 feet above sea level. Enjoy the beauty of this crystal clear mountain lake, made even better by the surrounding landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Overnight at Pangong Lak Camp.
Day 6 – Pangong to Leh : After breakfast leave for Leh crossing Changla pass at 5486 meters above sea level . Overnight in Leh.
Day 7 – Leh – Alchi / White Water Rafting : Today is the day of optional tours. Group has the option of doing Alchi & Ridzong monastery and nunnery tour OR one could opt for some adventure going white water rafting on the Zanskar / Indus rivers OR you could choose to rest, as it could be helpful due to the long drives and journeys before and to come. Overnight in Leh.
Day 8 – Leh to Tso Moriri : Leave from Leh early morning for Tso Moriri. Today we start on a three day adventure of Leh to Manali drive via Tso Moriri – through some of the most magnificent and breathtaking landscape you would find . Stop for breakfast at Karu and later drive along the banks of the Indus for most part to reach Karzok village on the banks of the Tso Moriri by evening. Experience the bliss of staying in a Himalayan mountain home stay overlooking the serene Tso Moriri Lake. See the simple life in Karzok village, visit the monastery, rest, relax and savor the surreal beauty of Tso Moriri located at 4600 meters above sea level in the Chumthang Valley of Ladakh. Tso Moriri is also a wetland conservation reserve and many migratory birds come here and if you are lucky you can see kiang ( wild ass ) and red fox. Overnight at Karzok village.
Day 9 – Tso Moriri to Sarchu : After breakfast drive through the beautiful stretches of amazing high mountain landscape, stop at Tso Kar, ride through Morey plains and Tanglang La to reach Sarchu. Overnight at Sarchu Camp.
Day 10 – Sarchu to Manali : On our last leg of our journey we drive from from Sarchu to Keylong via Baralacha Pass and Rohtang pass. See the mountains literally change colors from the many shades of brown to different shades of green, as we descend towards Manali and the vegetation thickens over the mountains. Overnight at Manali.
Day 11 – Manali : Explore Manali in the morning. Manali to Delhi overnight bus.
Day 12 – Delhi : Reach Delhi early morning by 8 a.m.
THEMESCulture
Nature
Adventure
Road Trip
DESTINATIONSLeh
Pangong Lake
Nubra Valley
Tso Moriri
Sarchu
Manali
HIGHLIGHTS
– One of the most beautiful mountain drives in the world
– Monastic visits
– Home stays and camping at beautiful locations
– Visit to high altitude lakes at Tso Moriri, Tso Kar and Pangong Tso
– Camel ride at Diskit sand dunes
– White water rafting in the Zanskar river
– Visit to highest motor able pass in the world at Khardung La
COST Spoiler content INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS :
8 Nights stay at home stay / resort with breakfast, 1 night stay at local village house with breakfast, 1 night stay at deluxe tent with breakfast, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes.
EXCLUSIONS :
Other than mentioned, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )
STAY & TRANSPORT
As this is a customised tour, you can choose the accommodation and transport as per your preference . Accommodation types available – Resorts, Cottages, Hotel, Home stay, Deluxe Camp Transport – Private Vehicle ( SUV or Car )
NOTE :
COST MENTIONED IS INDICATIVE.
This is a customized trip. Cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for details
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