Leh, Ladakh - nestled in the mountains of Himalayas is one of the most scenic place on earth.
After a day of getting acclimatized to the prevailing weather conditions, the sojourn begins by visiting the ancient monasteries in Likir – situated on the hill overlooking the beautiful mountains.
The tour takes you to various beautiful villages in the region where you will experience the Himalayan culture and rural life. Price On Request the the village Yangthan, the trail proceeds to one of the most beautiful village - Hemis Shukpachan filled with cedar trees. The trek also takes you through the apricot village - Ang, subsequently to Lamayuru, enroute visiting the historic village of Temisgam, where one can visit the monastery and the palace. Lamayuru has the largest and biggest Gompas in Ladakh. Experience the rich Buddhist heritage by visiting the prominent monastery and learn about their rich history.
Afterwards, we move to Nubra Valley which is one of the must visit places in Ladakh, especially for the first timer. While driving to reach Nubra valley, you will come across awe inspiring Khardungla pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. Nubra valley is the cold desert between Diskit and hunder also known as the orchard of Ladakh and was formerly called Ldumra which means the valley of flowers.
Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. You will have free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Overnight will be at Delhi.
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Ladakh. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You will need to spend the day settling in and acclimatizing since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, subject to how you are feeling, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city.
Today you drive out early to Likir Monastery, which is situated at the head of the village by the same name. The gompa is believed to date back to the 11th century and this is one of the most active monasteries in the region. Afterwards, commence your trek on a jeep track as it winds down to the river, leaving behind all the greenery and entering an arid moonscape. You can either continue on jeep track or trek down taking the shortcuts. Enjoy the scenic Himalayas throughout the day. End the day at the village of Yangtang. Here you have wonderful southerly views over the village to the Zanskar Range beyond. Overnight stay will be in a home stay.
From Yangtang the route descends to the tree-lined WulehTokpo, crosses it on a bridge and then, between stonewalls, climbs up the other side of the valley. This brings you to Sermanchan La (3,750 m / 12,300 ft).There are views down to the beautiful village of Hemis Shukpachan from the pass. The trail enters the village through the fields, drops steeply down to cross the AkheurTokpo and emerges above the Gompa overlooking beautiful pastures. Hemis Shukpachan is a wonderful tranquil village with a small Gompa overlooking beautiful pasture.
Start from Hemis Shukpachan in the morning. Throughout the day you will pass through various Himalayan villages such as Ang until reaching the final destination for the day, Temisgam viilage. Temisgam is the largest most prosperous village on this trek. Set amongst fertile fields and spreading orchards there are some fine examples of large, whitewashed, traditional Ladakhi homes. Overnight will be at homestay.
On your return to Leh from Lamayuru, you will cross the Indus River as you drive uphill to Alchi to visit the Alchi Monastery. This has a complex of temples located within the village and is one the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries dating back to the 11th century. Alchi Gompa is also the only monastery, built on flat ground. It is very famous for its paintings and architecture, which has Indian and Kashmiri influences in them. After lunch you will proceed to Leh, reaching there by the evening. Overnight will be at a hotel.
The road journey from Leh to NUBRA VALLEY passes over KHARDUNG LA (the highest motor able road in the world) at 5602 M / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range. Spectacular. Overnight will be at Hotel.
Today, start our journey back to Leh taking back the same scenic route as before. Reach Leh in the afternoon. In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa for a wonderful sunset view. Overnight will be at a hotel.
Transfer to Leh airport for flight back home/onward journey with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!!!