Ladakh Cultural Tour of Nubra Valley
Ladakh Cultural Tour of Nubra Valley (7 Nights / 8 Days)
Day 1: Arrive Leh
Upon arrival at Leh Airport, you will be welcomed and subsequently transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Leh market and visit the Shanti Stupa in the evening, provided you feel well. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2: Leh (Full-day excursion to monasteries and palaces tour) 112kms
Following breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the esteemed monasteries and palaces of the Ladakh region. Visit Thiksey Monastery, the most splendid monastery in Ladakh, which majestically overlooks the valley and houses approximately 80 monks; discover the exquisite inner courtyard that grants access to various temples. Proceed to Hemis Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist establishment of the Drukpa lineage. This monastery possesses an extraordinary collection of ancient relics, such as a Buddha idol crafted from copper gilt, along with gold and silver stupas. It stands out as the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
On your return to Leh, visit Shey, historically significant as it was constructed in the 17th century by King Deldan Namgyal. This fascinating complex’s significance is still gauged by the quality of its paintings and the remarkable number of chortens and other commemorative monuments that encircle it, particularly the copper gilt statue of Lord Buddha. Explore the Stok Palace, the current residence of the royal family of Ladakh, which has been transformed into a museum showcasing collections that evoke a recent past when the royal family governed this valley. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley (3040m) – Khardung La (5400m)
Prepare for a journey to the Nubra Valley, one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Ladakh. Renowned for its distinctive landscape, it is often referred to as the “desert in the sky. ” Drive through Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the endless snow-capped mountain ranges surrounding Khardung La as you proceed to Nubra Valley.
In the afternoon, we explore Nubra Valley, beginning with Diskyid Monastery, established in the 14th century by Changzem Sherab Zangpo. Situated on a hilltop, it offers a panoramic view of Nubra Valley and is the oldest and largest monastery in the area, belonging to the Gelugpa sect. Next, we head to Hunder, renowned for its sand dunes and the unique Bactrian camels, which are double-humped. Overnight accommodation at the hotel or camp.
Day 4: Hunder-Turtuk-Hunder (3040m)
Following breakfast, drive to Turtuk, the last village accessible to civilians on this route. As you enter Turtuk, you will experience what it means to be “frozen in time. ” This village, a gateway to the Siachen Glacier, was captured by the Indian Army during the 1972 conflict with Pakistan. Return to Hunder for overnight accommodation at the hotel or camp.
Day 5: Hunder-Ensa-Panamic-Sumur (3080m)
After breakfast, depart from Hunder and head towards Ensa Monastery, stopping to visit Yarab Tso and Panamic en route.
Ensa Gompa: A 260-year-old monastery, Ensa Gompa is situated atop a rock that commands a view of the snow-capped peaks of the Nubra Valley, where one can truly comprehend the essence of isolation, as this gompa is positioned far from the nearest village.
Yarab Tso: Revered as sacred, Yarab Tso is a diminutive yet exquisite lake located a short distance from the main thoroughfare. Panamic is another charming village nearby. Renowned for its healing properties, the hot springs serve as the principal attraction of this settlement. An overnight stay is offered at a hotel or camp.
Day 6: Sumur-Khardungla-Leh
This morning, we will participate in the morning assembly (puja) at Samstanling Monastery, located in Sumur village, established in the early 19th century by Lama Tsultim Nyima. We will return to the hotel for breakfast before driving towards Leh. En route, we will visit Zimskhang Palace, reputed to be the residence of the Nubra royal family. The drive is captivating, adorned with stunning vistas of the snow-capped mountain range, eventually leading us to the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung La (5400m), where we will pause briefly before continuing our journey to Leh. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Leh
After breakfast day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8: Departure from Leh
Early morning transfer to Leh Airport to board your flight back to your destination. The tour concludes with cherished memories.
