Grand Ladakh Tour

 

Grand Ladakh Tour

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations: LEH / ALCHI / TINGMOSGARN / LAMAYURU / NUBRA VALLEY / TSOMORIRI LAKE- TSOKAR – TANGLANG LA

 

DAY 01 : ARRIVAL LEH

Upon arrival at Leh airport, meet our local representative, transfer to hotel. We recommend you complete relax for the rest of the day to enable yourselves to acclimatize to the rarefied air at the high altitude. It is the process of the body in adjusting to the decreased availability of oxygen at such elevations. In the late afternoon drive to the city centre for an orientation walk in the markets and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 02 : LEH (MONASTERY TOUR)

In the morning proceed to Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Visit Thiksey monastery which is the 12-storey complex is considered one of the finest examples of Ladakhi art and architecture. Perched atop a hill slope at about 11,800ft, it is a stunning sight as you get closer to it and offers a beautiful view of the Indus Valley below it. Then take a halt at Hemis monastery, built in 1630 it is the biggest and very richly endowed monastery of Ladakh. Inside the monastery, a copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha can be seen along with various stupas that are said to be made of precious metal like gold and silver. On the way back visit Shey Palace which is located beside Indus River and is around 15 km from Leh. It is one of the ancient palaces in Leh. Return to Leh and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 03: LEH – ALCHI – LIKIR- TINGMOSGAM (100 KM, 4 HOURS)

After having breakfast proceed to Tingmosgam , on the way visit Alchi monastery which is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centers and also as the monastic jewels of Ladakh. This Gompa is built in Kashmiri style of architecture. The details of Buddhism and the Hindu kings of that time are depicted on the wall paintings in the monastery. Then visit Likir, it means the Naga encircled. The monastery got its name as it is believed two serpent spirits –Nanda and Taksako – guard it, the monastery consists of various other shrines inside the monastery complex. This monastery possesses thangka collection, earthen pots, old manuscripts and old costumes. The monastery also has a huge Maitreya Buddha statue which is 23 meters high covered with gold. Continue drive to Tingmosgam, it is a village in the sham valley famous for nuts, apricots, apples and beautiful houses. Reach Tingmosgam and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 04 : TINGMOSGAM – LAMAYURU – TINGMOSGARN (50 KM, 2 HOURS)

After having breakfast proceed to Lamayuru, the word Lamayuru means eternal in the Tibetian language and hence the monastery is known as the eternal one. This monastery houses a rich collection of carpets, thangkas, artifacts, wall paintings, statues and an impressive eleven-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing. Lamayuru also attracts tourists for its wonderful landscape which is quite similar to the lunar territory. In the afternoon, visit Tingmosgam Gompa and the village. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 05 : TINGMOSGAM – RIZONG – PHYANG – LEH (100KM, 5 HOURS)

After having breakfast drive to Leh, visit Rizong and Phyang monastery. It is a big complex accommodating a number of sacred shrines inside the monastery complex. These shrines have some exquisite wall paintings, dating back to the royal period. Phyang Gompa complex has 900 years old museum. This museum exhibits a rich collection of numerous idols and thangkas besides variety of weapons and firearms of Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian origin. Then visit the Rizong monastery which was founded by Lama Tsultim Nima, is well known for its high standards of monastic disciplines. It gives an impression of a rocky fortress. The monastery is around 72 km from Leh. Reach Leh and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

DAY 06 : LEH – NUBRA ( DISKIT & HUNDER) (130 KMS, 5 HOURS)

After having breakfast proceed to Nubra Valley. Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, bactrian camels and monasteries, it was originally called Ldumra which meant the valley of flowers. The Nubra valley lies in the north of Leh and is accessible over the Khardungla pass at 5600 meters, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. En route visit Diskit and Hundar monastery. Visit the Diskit Gompa which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh, standing atop a hill above the plains of Shayok river. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100 ft high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama. Besides the Buddha statue, other attractions to ponder over in the monastery are the ancient murals and frescoes. From the top of the Gompa, one can have a panoramic view of the Nubra valley. Then take a halt at Hundar monastery. Hundar is 8 kms from diskit and it is popular for its sparkling silver sand dunes with barren mountains as its backdrop. These sand dunes are home to 200 bactarian camels. Reach Nubra and overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 07 : NUBRA VALLEY

After having breakfast visit Panamik, It has hot water springs and a sacred Yarab Tso lake nearby the entrance of the village. The scenic beauty, sulphur springs and the proximity to Siachen glacier make it a must visit destination. Return to the camp for hot Lunch. In the afternoon visit Samtaling monastery which is situated in Sumur village. Set amongst picturesque mountains and greens, Samstanling is an acclaimed monastery which exhibits the traditional touch with shades of gold, red and white. It is around 120 km from Leh and about 45 minutes from Sumur village. In the evening reach at camp and overnight stay.

 

DAY 08 : NUBRA – KHARDONG LA – LEH (130 KM, 5 HOURS)

After having breakfast proceed to Leh. Visit the Khardung La Pass, commonly pronounced as Khardzong La, is a very important strategic pass into the Siachen glacier and claims to be the world’s highest motor able pass at an elevation of 5,602 meters. You can feel the pristine air and view the scenic beauty all around. Continue drive to Leh. Then after arrival at Leh, check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free for shopping and independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 09 : LEH – CHUMATHANG – TSOMORIRI (240 KMS, 7 HOURS)

In the morning proceed to Tsomoriri. Stop at Upshi for passport checking. En route visit Chumathang which is famous for the boiling hot sulphur springs by the icy cold Indus river. Visit Sumdah village on the way and another 55 km drive will take you to Tsomoriri, this serene lake is about 4,000 meters above sea level. The Lake is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. It is 8 Km wide and 28 Km long. This beautiful blue lake plays host to a large number of flora and fauna. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 10 : TSOMORIRI

In the morning visit Korzok which is a small village situated 3 km from the northwest end of the Tso Moriri Lake. Korzok means “Middle of the mountain” and it’s an excellent location to enjoy the lake side. There is a monastery at korzok which is about five hundred years old. In the afternoon visit Tsomoriri Lake located inside the Changtang wildlife sanctuary, this lake offers a scenic vista of peace and tranquility. The water body measures about 28 km in length from north to south and about 100 ft in depth. The lake is surrounded by barren hills, with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 11 : TSOMORIRI – TSOKAR – TANGLANG LA – LEH 250 KM, 7 HOURS

After having breakfast proceed to Leh via Tsokar Lake, it is situated in the Rupshu Valley at an elevation of over 14,700 ft, is also known as the White Lake because of the amount of salts that get deposited on the banks of the lake. On the way, visit Puga (natural sulphur mine), then visit Tanglang La Pass (17,585ft), it is like the gateway to Leh. As one drives through this high motorable pass, scenic views on both sides are likely to make the journey wonderful and then visit Rumtse. Reach Leh and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 12: DEPARTURE LEH

Early morning transfer to Leh airport to board flight for onward destination.