Mesmerising Ladakh Cultural Tour
Mesmerising Ladakh Cultural Tour (12 Nights / 13 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
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 – Sham Valley – Lamayouru (3510m)
Following breakfast, embark on a drive to Lamayouru, with stops at Magnetic Hill and Sangam. Also, visit Likir, recognized as Lu-Khyil Gompa; the construction of Likir Monastery was commissioned by the fifth king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo, and established by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Subsequently, explore the Alchi Temple, famed as the oldest Buddhist educational institution, the Alchi Gompa stands as one of the most splendid monasteries in Ladakh. Positioned 70 kilometers west of Leh along the banks of the Indus River, it is the largest and most renowned gompa established by Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century. Continue the drive to witness the enchanting moon-like landscapes and the Lamayuru Monastery, celebrated as Tharpa Ling, meaning the ‘place of freedom’; Lamayuru Monastery is among the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh.
(Optional) Weather permitting, prepare for river rafting on the Zanskar River. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Day 4: Lamayuru – Leh (3501m)
After breakfast, drive back to Leh, with a visit to Rizong, where according to common belief, Guru Padmasambhava and other lamas meditated in the caves. On the return journey, pause at Sangam (the confluence of two rivers). Arrive in Leh by evening. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Day 5: Leh – Nubra Valley (3040m) – Khardung La (5400m)
Post breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley, a highly sought-after tourist destination in Ladakh. Its unique terrain has earned it the moniker ‘desert in the sky. ’ Travel through Khardung La (the highest motorable road in the world), taking in the breathtaking views of the seemingly infinite snow-capped mountain ranges surrounding Khardung La before continuing to Nubra Valley. In the afternoon, explore Nubra Valley, visiting Diskit Monastery, situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the valley; this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley. Proceed to Hunder, renowned for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels (double-humped). Overnight accommodations at camp.
Day 6: Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder (3040m)
After breakfast, drive to Turtuk, the last village along the route accessible to civilians. Upon entering Turtuk, one experiences the sensation of being “frozen in time. ” This village serves as one of the gateways to Siachen Glacier and was seized by the Indian Army during the war with Pakistan in 1972. Return drive to Hunder. Overnight accommodations at camp.
Day 7: Nubra – Shayok – Pangong (4251m)
In the morning, after breakfast, leisure time precedes the drive toward Pangong via the Shayok route. Enjoy the evening at Pangong Lake, witnessing the lake’s changing colors during sunset and sunrise. Pangong is renowned as the highest saltwater lake in the world, shared by Ladakh and Tibet. The surroundings of the lake are strikingly picturesque and calming. Visit the local village nearby to gain insights into the local culture. Overnight accommodations at camp.
Day 8: Pangong – Leh (3501m) – Changla (5301m)
Commence the day at an early hour prior to sunrise. The captivating emergence of the sun over the lake and the transformation of its hues is undoubtedly a sight you will wish to immortalize through your lens. Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Leh via the Changla route, including a visit to Takthok monastery. This Gonpa served as a meditation cave for Guru Padma Sambhava, bearing his footprints and various other indications. Overnight accommodation will be at the hotel.
Day 9: Leh – Tsomoriri Lake (4500m)
After breakfast, proceed to Tsomoriri Lake via Mahe Bridge. The extensive and enchanting drive from Leh to Tsomoriri presents remarkable opportunities for photography. A stop at Chumathang will allow for a picnic and a visit to the therapeutic hot springs, followed by the continuation of the drive to Tsomoriri Lake, which serves as a breeding ground for numerous avian species. Overnight accommodation will be at a camp or hotel.
Day 10: Tsomoriri Lake
In the morning, visit the Korzok monastery, established in 1861 by Lama Kunga Lodos, where the village and its gompa resemble a “Mirage. ” The sparse barley fields at Korzok are amongst the highest irrigation areas globally. Today you will explore the Korzok monastery in a village where nomadic individuals reside in permanent structures, allowing for exploration of the village and a walk around the lake. Overnight accommodation will be at a camp or hotel.
Day 11: Tsomoriri – Tsokar – Taklangla (5300m) – Leh
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Leh with an en route visit to the Nomadic residential school in Puga. The hot springs of Puga hold great repute among the Ladakhis and are believed to cure numerous ailments. In this valley, one can observe abundant sulfur mines. Continue the drive to Polokongka La (4950m) before descending towards Tsokar. Arrival in Leh will occur by evening. Overnight accommodation will be at the hotel.
Day 12: Leh
After breakfast, the day is free for personal leisure. Overnight accommodation will be at the hotel.
Day 13: Departure from Leh
Early morning transfer to Leh Airport to board your flight back to your destination. The tour concludes with cherished memories.
