Essential Ladakh

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

New Delhi, India’s national capital, is a relatively modern confection of imposing government buildings including Parliament, museums and wide leafy boulevards loosely centred on circular Connaught Place (officially now called Rajiv Chowk). To its north lies the formerly walled city of Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad, built in the 17th-century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Though long merged into one metropolis, the two have very different characters. New Delhi has space, parks, distinct neighbourhoods and a clutch of important monuments and architecture that reflect its ancient history. Old Delhi’s crowded streets, lanes and bazaars reflect its colourful medieval character and they cradle some of the city’s most memorable sights.

Day Itinerary

Arrival in Delhi, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel near airport.

(Standard check in time is 1400 Hrs)

Day at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2:  Delhi – Leh

Nestled among isolated mountain peaks, the bustling town of Leh has long been an important stopover for trade between Kashmir, Tibet, India and China. From a high viewpoint, grey flat-topped houses dominate the old city and sprawl through the valley easing off into a verdant patchwork of irrigated barley fields and tall trees, which light up the landscape. Major attractions offering superb views include the Buddhist Shanti Stupa and the former royal palace, Leh Palace. A worthwhile trek once you’ve settled into town is a hike to Victory Fort.

Day Itinerary

Early morning in time you will be assisted and transfer to Delhi airport to board flight to Leh.

Flight  TBA

Upon arrival in Leh, you will be assisted and transfer to your hotel/resort in Leh.

Rest of the free to acclimatize to the high altitude/weather of Leh/Ladakh.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 3: Leh

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at Hotel

In Leh, visit Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo temple/monastery, Shanti stupa, Central Asian Museum.

Activities

Leh Palace

Located in the Himalayas, the adventurous journey one has to undertake to reach the palace is what makes it even more special. Leh palace was built in the 17th century by King Singe Namgyal as the royal residence. It was deserted in the mid-19th century after the family shifted to Stok. The Leh Palace of Ladakh still retains an old worldly charm about it.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Built in the 16th century is Tsemo (Victory) Fort, is just 15-minute climb-up opposite Chenrezi Lakhang with its ruins. This structure is actually visible from everywhere in Leh. This fort seems like a crown on the head of the Palace ridge.  This small but ruined palace contains of a number of worship flags. Directly underneath it is Tsemo gompa that is Tsemo monastery that consists of two temple buildings built in the 15th century, an eight meter tall gold-faced statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Shanti Stupa

Built to promote world peace and prosperity as well as to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism, Shanti Stupa is the major attraction in Leh. Perched on the mountain top, this religious place also offers a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings, and thus is a must-see. This attraction in Leh was built at a part of the Peace Pagoda Mission by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu. Underneath the stupa is the relic of the Buddha. Sunrise and sunset are considered to be the best time of the day to visit the Shanti Stupa when views from this place to visit in Leh are spectacular.

Day 4:  Leh

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at hotel.

In Leh, visit Indus Valley monasteries of Thiksey (ideally early morning to see monks’ daily rituals & prayers) and then Hemis.  Visit Stok Palace/Museum and SOS children village can be visited on the  on the way back from Hemis.

Activities

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery, of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect, is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh, is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is a world heritage site of India founded by first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630 AD. Monastery was re-established in 1672 AD by King Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is honored as the largest monastic institution in North India. Monastery is wealthiest and the hoariest ancient remark of Leh. It is located on the west banks of Indus River, near Karu.  Hemis is a point of attraction for the tourist not only because of its location, but for the colorful festival of monastery held in June- July. Monastery is well known for the rich collection of ancient fragments made of gold, silver and copper, scared Thangkas, murals and various artifacts.

Stok Palace and Museum

Built entirely by the Ladakhi craftsmen in 1820, the Stok Palace still continues to be a snug abode for the Namgyal dynasty. The Namgyal dynasty traces its origin to its founder –Lhachen Palgygon as early as 10th century. You are entering a historical property and the Palace stands 195 years old. The Stok Palace was opened to public in 1980 with blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and since it’s been over a decade and visitors continues to pour from all over the World. It encapsulates and reflects the lifestyle and history of Royalties set in the midst of the valley of Singey Sangpo which is known more popularly as Indus River. Stok Palace Museum Leh is housed in the Stok Palace and serves as the home of Ladakh’s royal dynasty. Lama Lhawang Lotus founded the monastery in the 14th century. Guests may explore several 16th century royal relics such as royal crowns, copper coins, precious stones, jewellery, heirlooms, and prayer instruments.

Day 5: Leh

Day Itinerary

Day excursion to Alchi Monastery and its village. It is a beautiful country side and scenic drive en-route visit- Hall of Fame Museum (it was established as homage for the martyrs of Kargil war), Pathar  Sahib Gurudwara, Magnetic Hill and Sangam (Confluence of Zanskar & Indus Rivers), Likir monastery, Saspol caves, and Alchi monastery.

Activities

Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery is located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. This 10th-century Buddhist monastery is a sacred enclave and is well preserved. The monastery opens to a 3-storey building featuring statues, beautiful Buddhist fresco paintings, and wood carvings. Also featured are three temples supported with wooden pillars and dedicated to Manjusree. There is a garden in the courtyard with exotic flowers and fruit trees.

Likir Monastery

Likir Monastery, around 62 kms to the West of the main city of Leh. The 5th king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo ordered the establishment of this monastery and thus it was established in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chosje. The monastery is of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the times of today, Buddhist teachings and the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines are preached on the site. The monastery also plays host to the annual festival that is in the 12th months of the Tibetan Calendar, from the 27th to the 29th . During the festival, religious dance performances are given by the local artists.

Day 6:  Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung la pass

With breathtaking views over the dramatic mountainous region and lush terrain, Hunder is a small but remarkable village resting on the banks of the majestic Shyok River in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. Famed for its towering sand dunes and delightful Bactrian Camel, this charming village draws in visitors from far and wide to explore its surroundings. Once the capital of the then Nubra Kingdom, Hunder houses several historical ruins, including the King’s Palace, the Elephant Palace, and a hill-top fort which history-lovers can explore. Additionally, travellers can admire the vibrant red facade of the Hunder Monestry; a charming Tibetan Buddhist temple.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at Hotel.

Check-out  and drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La pass.

Afternoon visit Diskit Monastery.

Overnight at Hotel

Activities

Khardung la Pass

Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and a daunting pass that fills the nerves of the travelers with thrill and joy. Situated at an altitude of 18,379 ft. above sea level, Khardung La makes one feel at the top of the world. Alternatively known as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, Khardung La is the inspiration of motorbike, automobile, and mountain biking expeditions. This makes it an adventure aficionados’ paradise indeed. It also connects Leh with the Zanskar and Nubra Region which makes it an important element of the entire Ladakh Circuit

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery, the largest and the oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley, was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong-kha-pa. he Gompa stands atop a hill right above the flood plains of the Shayok River.

Day 7: Nubra Valley

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at Hotel.

In Nubra Valley (Diskit), day-trip excursion to Turtuk (close to Baltistan &LoC)

Turtuk is a small village located in Nubra Valley region of Ladakh, on the banks of Shyok River. It is the northernmost villages in India lying very close to the India Pakistan border, in the Baltistan region. Turtuk is an unexplored and offbeat place, opened to tourists only in 2010. The picturesque village with its tiny houses and fields is surreal. It remains cut off from Ladakh for 6 months during winter.

Day 8:  Nubra Valley

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at hotel.

In Nubra Valley (Diskit), day at leisure

OR

Optional: Day-trip to excursion to Samstanling Monastery & remote Ensa Monastery

Day 9:  Nubra Valley – Leh via Khardung la pass

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Khardung La pass.

Check in on arrival.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 10: Leh – Delhi – Fly onwards

Day Itinerary

Morning at appropriate time you will be transferred to Leh airport, board your flight back to Delhi.

Flight   TBA

Upon arrival in Delhi, connect to your onward flight journey.

No services in Delhi.