Ladakh Monasteries Tour

 

Ladakh Monasteries Tour

Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Destinations: LEH / ALCHI / ULEYTOKPO / LAMAYURU / NUBRA VALLEY / PANGONG LAKE

 

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, as high altitude sickness occurs when your body does not adjust due to lack of oxygen at the high altitude. In the Late afternoon go for an orientation walk in the local market. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 02 : LEH

In the morning proceed to Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Visit Thiksey monastery which is the 12-storey complex and 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 metals 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 to Leh and overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 03 : LEH – SPITUK – ALCHI – ULEYTOKPO (80 KM, 3 HOURS)

After breakfast proceed for Uletokpo which is one of the most wonderful camping sites in Ladakh. On the way, visit Spituk Monastery also known as Pethup Gompa, located 8 km from 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 Evening, enjoy sitting on the bank of the river coming down from the Rizong side. Overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 04 : ULETOKPO – LAMAYURU – LEH (180 KM, 6 HOURS)

In the morning leave for Lamayuru monastery via Khaltsi. It 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 05: LEH – KHARDUNG LA PASS – NUBRA VALLEY (170 KM, 6 HOURS)

After having breakfast departure for Nubra Valley which is a large, wide and flat region located around 150 km north of Leh. It is situated across Khardung La pass. Stop at 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. Continue drive to Nubra, its original name is believed to be Ldumra meaning “Valley Of Flowers”. The Valley is known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries. Nubra lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir, its beauty is picturesque and breathtaking. It is covered by mainly two rivers, Nubra or Siachen River and Shyok river. Visit Diskit and Hundar monastery. The Diskit Gompa is 350 years old and is situated on the highest point near the village. Diskit is the headquarters of the Nubra Valley about 150 km from Leh. The town is dominated by the huge 14th century monastery which is the oldest and largest in the valley. Visit Hundar Monastery, it is located near Diskit Monastery and Lachung Temple. Arrival at Nubra and overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 06 : NUBRA

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. In the afternoon visit Samtaling monastery which is situated in Sumur village. Set amidst picturesque mountains and greens, Samstanling is an acclaimed monastery which exhibits the traditional touch with shades of gold, red and white. Return to Nubra in the evening and overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 07 : 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 08 : LEH – PANGONG LAKE (260 KM, 7 HOURS)

After having breakfast leave for Pangong lake via Changla Pass that is situated at an altitude of 5,360 meters above sea level, third highest motorable mountain pass in the world is famous for its scenic and serene natural beauty. Visit Pangong lake which is situated in the Himalayan range, it is approximately 140 km from Leh at the height of 4350 meters. It is 124 km long and extends from India to Tibet. It is home to many migrating birds. The one factor that makes this Lake so popular is because of the fact that it keeps changing colors. Overnight stay in camp.

 

DAY 09 : PANGONG LAKE – LEH (160 KM, 4 HOURS)

In the morning after breakfast, start for the return journey to Leh through the same route. In the evening you are free to do shopping or relax. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 10 : DEPARTURE

Early morning move to Leh airport to catch flight for return journey to your destination.