Kashmir Ladakh Tour

 

Kashmir Ladakh Tour

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations: SRINAGAR / GULMARG / SONMARG / KARGIL / LAMAYURU / ALCHI / LIKIR / PHYANG / LEH / NUBRA / KHARDUNG LA

 

DAY 01: DELHI

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 Chawri Bazar in central Delhi and is the largest mosque in India and the 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 the imposing India Gate, Parliament Buildings and President House. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 2: DELHI – SRINAGAR (BY FLIGHT – 1 ½ HOURS)

Transfer to airport to catch flight for Srinagar. Arrival at Srinagar and transfer to Houseboat. Lying on the banks of River Jhelum with deep and mesmerizing valleys cascaded in sky scraping mountains and evergreen beauty, Srinagar blends together the tints of nature, beauty, harmony and romance. The city is acclaimed for its lakes, gardens and houseboats. It is also known for dry fruits and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. In the afternoon enjoy Shikara (boat) ride at Dal Lake. It is spread over 15km, is also called Srinagar’s jewel with the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains and a vast sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats. Dal Lake is unique in having hundreds of houseboats, which gives an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Overnight stay in Houseboat.

 

DAY 3: SRINAGAR

Morning tour of world famous Mughal Gardens, start by first visiting Shalimar Bagh, which is located along Dal Lake. It was laid in 1619 by Mughal emperor Jahangir. Divided into three terraced parts, this garden is lined with trails of chinar and carpeted with colourful flower beds. These royal gardens are illustrative of fine landscaping and intricate architecture blended with the ethereal beauty of nature. Then visit Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure), it is famous for the 12 terraced formations, which represents different zodiac signs of astrology. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Houseboat.

 

DAY 4: SRINAGAR – GULMARG – SRINAGAR (110 KMS, 5 HOURS)

Full day tour of Gulmarg that is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located here. The cable car here is also one of the prime attractions here and is the 2nd highest cable car in the world. Visitors can have Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg. In the evening return to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Houseboat.

 

DAY 5: SRINAGAR – SONMARG – KARGIL (225 KMS, 8 HOURS)

Leave in the morning and drive to Kargil. The road passes through panoramic village, Sonmarg (2740 meters), Known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The Sindh river nurtured the exotic flora of the region. The wonderful blue water lakes, the captivating beauty of the towering snow clad mountains and grasslands here are other attractions. Then drive through Zojila pass (3527 meters), it is termed as the gateway to the majestic Ladakh. Second high altitude passes in India, Zojila lies at a height of around 11,500 ft from the sea level. Continue drive towards Drass (The second coldest inhabited place in the world) and stop here for tea and passport check. Another two and half hours drive will take you to Kargil (2710 meters), it is a town, which serves as the headquarters of Kargil district of Ladakh. It is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Overnight stay at hotel .

 

DAY 6: KARGIL – LAMAYURU – ALCHI (175 KMS / 6 HOURS)

After breakfast we drive to Alchi. On the way, first visit first Buddhist village Mulbek. Here Mulbekh Monastery is a revered shrine, which consists of two ancient monasteries – Drukpa and Gelugpa. Situated in Zanskar, this gompa is nestled atop 200 meters high hillock which offers a perfect view of the surrounding region. Then we have to cross the highest pass on Srinagar- Leh route. At lunch time you will be at Lamayuru, this monastery is home to more than 150 monks and houses a rich collection of artifacts, an impressive 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing, wall paintings, thangkas, statues, carpets. Lamayuru also attracts tourists for its beautiful landscape which is quite similar to the lunar territory. Finally arrive at Alchi, it is situated in the plains. The monastery features mural paintings and frescoes, belonging to the 11th century and built in Indo-Himalayan style. Upon arrival in Alchi, overnight stay.

 

DAY 07: ALCHI – LIKIR – PHYANG – SPITUK – LEH (80 KMS, 4 HOURS)

Post breakfast check out from hotel in Alchi, and departure to Leh en route visiting Likir monastery,
the monastery is located in Likir village and believed to have been in existence since 11th century. Besides being the oldest, the monastery is also known for the 75 ft statue of Buddha. Then visit Phyang Gompa which 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. Continue drive to Leh, on the way visit Spituk, this monastery boasts of several pre-historic shrines, frescoes, idols and other religious scriptures and is home to about 100 monks. Inside the monastery, you get to see several images and statues of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival in Leh check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

DAY 08: LEH (MONASTERY TOUR)

After having breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing to Thiksey monastery, Hemis monastery and Shey palace. Firstly visit Thiksey monastery which is referred to as ‘Mini Potala’ of India. The monastery is settled on the hill top and is home to around 120 monks. With its amazing and iconic architecture, Thiksey is a twelve storied monastery, with its amazing and iconic architecture, boasts of 10 shrines and an assembly hall. The monastery houses many stuffs of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, swords, thangkas (a painting on cotton or silk, depicting Buddhist deity) and wall paintings. In-addition, there is also a nunnery in the monastery complex. After that visit Hemis monastery, situated on a green hill and surrounded by spectacular mountains. It is the largest and most popular monastery in Ladakh. Hemis monastery is a rich treasure house of cultural riches of Ladakh. There is the Hemis museum with various Buddhist temples with daily prayers by monks, cultural artifacts from the past, several gilded statues of various dieties. On the way back, visit Shey Palace. The Shey Palace is built up in a very beautiful way and is extended up to three floors. The name Shey in Ladakhi means mirror and it is known as the reflection of the palace. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 09: LEH – NUBRA (DISKIT & HUNDER) (130 KMS, 5 HOURS)

After having breakfast , departure for Nubra Valley. Nubra Valley is known as the Orchard of Ladakh and was originally called Ldumra which means the valley of flowers. The valley is on the trade route from leh to Khangar via Samsar and Karakoram passes. Nubra lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. Stop en route and visit Diskit and Hundar monastery. Diskit, the Buddhist center is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in 14th century, stands 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 Holy Dalai Lama. Last visit Hunder monastery, this gompa is situated close to the Diskit monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries of Nubra valley and is most interesting for the various Buddhist sites dotted around it, notably a series of ancient whitewashed chortens. Overnight stay in camp .

 

DAY10: NUBRA VALLEY

After breakfast visit Panamik village Apart from the hot water treatment, the snow clad peaks and lush green valley make the visit to Panamik truly amazing. Panamik is acclaimed for its Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri and Tibetan artifacts. Kashmiri carpet and Woolen socks are the most shopped items in the markets of Panamik. Return to the camp for hot lunch. In the afternoon pay a visit to Samtaling monastery that is situated in Sumur village. Samstanling is a popular monastery set amongst scenic mountains and greens, which showcases the traditional touch with shades of gold, red and white. This enchanted tourist interest place is dotted with trees blushed in red and yellow shades, colourful prayer flags, grey and golden mountains and clear blue sky. In the evening return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

 

DAY11: NUBRA – KHARDUNG LA – LEH (125 KM,5 HOURS)

After having breakfast proceed to Leh. En route and stop at Khardungla 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. The pristine air, the scenic beauty one sees all around and the feeling that you are on top of the world. Continue drive to Leh. Then check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for shopping and independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 12: LEH – DELHI (BY FLIGHT – 1 ¼ HOURS)

In the morning transfer to Leh airport to catch flight for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free to visit Delhi on your own or for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY13:DELHI

In the morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport to catch flight for onward destination.