Himachal Ladakh Tour

 

Himachal Ladakh Tour

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations: LEH / ALCHI / ULEYTOKPO / LAMAYURU / CHUMATHANG / TSOMORIRI / SARCHU / MANALI / DHARAMSHALA / AMRITSAR

 

DAY 01 : DELHI

Upon arrival at Delhi, welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel. Later start with a city tour of Old Delhi that includes visit to Jama Masjid, built from red sandstone and white marble, the edifice dominates the skyline of the busy Bazar in central Delhi and is the largest mosque in India. Then visit amazing Red Fort which is located in the center of the city, it was constructed by Shah Jahan in the year 1939. This imposing piece of architecture derives its name from its impregnable red sandstone walls. Also enjoy shopping at the ancient bazaar of Chandni Chowk. Then drive past imposing India Gate, Parliament Building and President House. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 02 : DELHI – LEH (BY FLIGHT – 1 ½ hours)

In the morning, proceed to Delhi airport to catch flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh airport, meet our representative, transfer to hotel. We recommend you complete relax for the rest of the day to enable yourselves to acclimatize, as high altitude sickness occurs when your body does not adjust due to lack of oxygen at high altitude. In the late afternoon drive to the city centre for an orientation walk in the market and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 03 : LEH

In the morning proceed to Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Visit 600 years old Thiksey monastery which is the most beautiful monastery in Ladakh, the 12-storey complex is considered one of the finest examples of Ladakhi art and architecture. Perched atop a hill slope, 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. 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 inside the monastery. 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 and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 04 : LEH – SPITUK – ALCHI – ULEYTOKPO (80 KM, 3 HOURS)

After breakfast, proceed to Uletokpo which is one of the most wonderful camping sites in Ladakh. On the way, visit Spituk Monastery also known as Pethup Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Leh. The monastery is home to 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali. En route visit Alchi monastery, it is said to be the oldest and most famous monastery in Ladakh. The monastery is maintained and looked after by the Likir monastery, it has paintings made by Kashmiri artists, which has a touch of Indian art. This monastery has 6 main buildings. Around lunch time, you will reach Ulleytokpo which lies amidst the snow draped mountains. It is a scenic and ultimate destination blessed with breath taking natural beauty. In the rvening, enjoy sitting on the bank of the river coming down from the Rizong side. Overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 05 : ULETOKPO – LAMAYURU – LEH ( 180 KM, 6 HOURS)

In the morning leave for Lamayuru monastery which is located in the taluk of Khalsi, district of Leh. From here another 22 Km drive will take you to Lamayuru which is the oldest and the largest monastery. The monastery is acclaimed for its murals, collection of thangkas, rich wall paintings, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and distinct deities. In the late afternoon return to Leh for overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 06 : LEH – CHUMATHANG – TSOMORIRI (240 KM, 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 07 : TSOMORIRI

In the morning visit Korzok which is a small village situated 3 km from northwest end of Tso Moriri Lake. Korzok means “Middle of the mountain” and it’s an excellent location to enjoy the lake side. There is a 500 year old monastery at korzok. In the afternoon visit Tsomoriri Lake located inside the Changtang wildlife sanctuary. This lake offers a scenic place of peace and tranquility. The water body measures about 28 km in length from north to south and about 100 feet deep. The lake is surrounded by barren hills, with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Dinner and overnight in camp.

 

DAY 08 : TSOMORIRI – SARCHU (135 KM, 8 HOURS)

In the morning proceed to Sarchu through Upshi where the hospitality of locals is beyond anything you see in your life. Upshi is placed along the Valley of Indus River and Tanglang La, located on Leh Manali Highway. On the way, you might see tiny colonies of Marmots, Yaks & Herbs. At Pang, stop and have lunch and then continue drive to La Chungla pass, It offers great sights of the snow-capped mountains to all the visitors. Reach Sarchu at an altitude of 4,290 meters, which is situated between Baralacha La to the south and Lachulung La to the north. It also serves as a starting point for difficult trek into the Zanskar region of Ladakh and it will be the coldest night during the whole tour. Overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 09 : SARCHU – MANALI (225 KM, 10 HOURS)

In the morning, proceed to Manali via Keylong, It is situated at an altitude of 3350 meters and is the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Stop here for one hour and visit the local Bazaar and then continue drive towards Manali. Reach Khoksar where you stop for passport checking. Continue moving up towards Rohtang pass – 3978 meters. The pass is an experience of nature in one of its rawest forms possible, amongst mountain peaks covered with snow, breathtaking views and magnificent and sprawling landscapes. Another 51 Km drive will take you to Manali, a stunning hill station surrounded by massive snow clad mountains and thick pinewood forests. It has the twisty Beas River as its magnificent centerpiece. Reach Manali and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 10 : MANALI

After having breakfast proceed for sightseeing of places in and around Manali. Visit Hadimba temple, surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests; this beautiful shrine is built on a rock. The construction style of the temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. Then take a halt at Manu temple, which is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth.It is located in old Manali, around 3 km from the main market and river Beas adds to its attraction. Then in the afternoon visit Vashisht Hot Water Spring, the hot springs are believed to have medicinal value and cure many skin diseases. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 11 : MANALI – DHARAMSHALA (220 KM, 9 HOURS)

In the morning leave for Dharamshala. Overlooking the plains and surrounded by dense pine trees, deodar forests, snow-laden mountains, exotic culture, quaint old monasteries, numerous streams and a cool healthy atmosphere is Dharamshala, truly a piece of heaven on earth. The hill station is perched on high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley and it is placed against a backdrop of the splendid Dhauladhar mountains. The Tibetan community dominates this beautiful town, one could still sense the touch of colonial lifestyle and British fervour that remains. On arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

DAY 12 : DHARAMSHALA – AMRITSAR (210 KM, 5 HOURS)

In the morning explore the town Dharamshala which is also known as Little Lhasa. It is a beautiful place which is bathed in the glory of Mother Nature and Buddhist culture. Here, the spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony. Visit the temple of Dalai Lama Just a walking distance away from McLeodganj bus stand. Right next to the temple is the residence of the holy Dalai Lama. The renowned temple offers spiritual teachings of Buddhism, and several times his holiness Dalai Lama bless the pilgrims. Quite fascinating are the morning prayers, in which one can take active part. Then visit Tibetan refugee camp. In the afternoon leave for Amritsar. Arrival and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

DAY 13 : AMRITSAR

In the morning leave for sightseeing of Amritsar, literally meaning the ‘Pool of the Nectar of Immortality’. Visit Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir sahib, which means “temple of God”, while some refer it to as darbar, which means “court”. The temple is in the center of a sarovar or pool. The pilgrims bathe in the pool as people believe that the water has healing properties that can cure many diseases. People gather here to listen to hymns, and also pay respect to the Guru Granth Sahib Holy Scripture being read. Here, Langar is provided to all the pilgrims who visit it is a free meal which is prepared in the Golden Temple. The preparations are carried out by pilgrims and volunteers. The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances symbolize the unity of people from all walks of life. Also visit Akal Takht, the immortal throne which was established by sixth Guru Hargobind Ji in 17th Century. Visit Wagah Border, every evening, just before the sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military showmanship. Actually, the purpose of the ceremony is to formally close the border for the night and lower the national flag. On both sides of the border, there is a massive gate which is inscribed as “Swarn Jayanti Dwar”. Visiting and experiencing the Beating Retreat ceremony is utterly gripping, one which will leave you full of pride and patriotism! Later return to your hotel for overnight stay.

 

DAY 14 : AMRITSAR – DELHI (BY FLIGHT)

Transfer to airport to catch flight for Delhi. Our services end.