Ladakh, often referred to as “The Land of High Passes,” is a region in the northern part of India, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged terrain, and unique cultural heritage. Ladakh is situated at high altitudes, with some areas reaching heights of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. Ladakh’s culture is a fascinating blend of Tibetan, Indian, and Central Asian influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditional festivals. The people of Ladakh, primarily of Tibetan and Indo-Aryan descent, have a rich heritage of music, dance, and art. Overall, Ladakh is a destination that offers travelers an opportunity to experience both natural beauty and cultural richness in a remote and captivating setting.
Day o1: Arrive in Leh
Arrive at Leh airport. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Stay Overnight in a hotel.
Day 02: Local Sightseeing in Leh
After breakfast go for full day sightseeing to the massive Tibetan Buddhist Gompas of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. A few kilometers up the Indus is Shey, the ancient capital, with its palaces, temples and vibrantly colored murals, cleaned and restored in the mid 1980’s. Later we drive to visit the fortress styled monastery of Thiksey. Afterwards, we drive to visit the Hemis monastery. This monastery is known to be the most famous and rich Buddhist temple in the entire region. The Murals and frescoes here date back to 17th century. After we explore the sacred monastery, we drive back to our hotel in Leh. In the evening, we will spend some time roaming around the markets. Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Leh-Nubra
We will drive to Nubra valley in the morning, driving over the highest motored pass in the world. The exciting journey through serpentine roads leads us to the Khardungla Pass at an awesome height of 5550 meters. We stop at the pass to admire and click some photographs of the fantastic view, before driving down into the Nubra valley. The valley is situated on an old caravan route at the confluence of the Shyok and the Nubra rivers. We drive to our fixed camp resort and later drive to visit the charming valley, of Desk it – the tiny capital of Nubra. The capital is marked by a single file of shops that are put up on the main road. We will visit the Deskit Gompa, perched on a rocky spur above the village, with a commanding view of the entire valley. From Deskit we will drive to Hunder past an area of sand dunes and get acquainted with the famous Bactrian camels. This small population of shaggy double-humped animals, which in the old days, were used as pack animals on the Central Asian trade routes are now used as riding animals in the high deserts. In the late afternoon we will drive to the camp. Stay overnight in camps.
Day 04: Nubra-Pangong
After breakfast, Drive to Pangong via Shayok Route. The journey itself is very scenic and breath taking. The drive takes you through spectacular, amazing scenery, with breathtaking views of the snow covered Himalayas. The Lake is the highest (4267M) salt-water lake in the world, situated along the India / China border. It is about 130 Km long and 5-6 Km wide. The Chang – chenmo range surrounding it from the north provide a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish water. Stay Overnight in the Camps.
Day 05: Pangong -Leh
We will drive back to Leh. We arrive at Leh in the afternoon and day free for individual activity. Stay Overnight in Hotel.
Day 06: Leh Departure, Transfer to airport.
Early morning breakfast and check out the hotel and Drive for Leh. We will drive to the airport for your flight home. At the airport the driver will assist you with your luggage screening and drop you at outside the terminal gate.
