Best of Ladakh

From the Delhi airport, board a flight to Kushok Bakula Airport, which is situated at an altitude of 11700 feet. Upon arrival, our tour representative helps you with an assisted transfer to the hotel. After completing the check-in formalities, the day is scheduled for rest for acclimatization to the high altitudes of Ladakh, a necessary thing to do. In the evening, you can take a stroll near the resort or relax in your room. You can visit the Leh market and satiate your taste buds by savoring local delicacies.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

After breakfast on day 2, get all set for a full day tour of Indus Valley. The attractions that you visit today include the Royal Museum at Shey Palace, which is located on a hilltop. The palace was an abode of the royal family till 1834 AD. The complex of the Shey Palace comprises the Shey Monastery, which is located 10 m high. The Gompa houses a copper statue of Lord Buddha, which is the main attraction. The monastery boasts of the largest victory stupa in Leh and the top of which is made of gold. You can spend some time with monks as well and learn some life lessons.

Then proceed to Thiksey Monastery, which belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this gompa is the largest monastery in the central Ladakh region. After exploring the Thiksey Monastery you will visit Hemis Monastery, located on the bank of the Indus River. This monastery is India’s wealthiest monastery and is among the biggest ones too. It is believed that the monastery has existed since the 11th century and it was reestablished in the 17th century. Proceed to Leh after the exploration tour of the monastery.

On arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. If time and energy permit, you can visit the local market in Leh and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Also, enjoy the local delicacies.

Savor the delicious dinner at the hotel and have a restful sleep in your room.

On day 3, post an early breakfast, you will begin your road journey to Nubra Valley via the world-popular Khardungla Pass. At an altitude of 5,609 m above sea level, it is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Take a halt at the mountain pass and click some pictures as reaching here is an achievement on its own.

Afterward, start your ride to Nubra Valley and in the afternoon you will arrive here. Visit Diskit Monastery, which is the largest and the oldest Buddhist Gompa in Nubra Valley. You can spot the enormous 106 feet statue of Maitreya Buddha from far away, which is located here. It is the largest Maitreyi Buddha statue in Ladakh. The monastery houses murals, paintings, Thangkas, and frescoes of ancient times. You can also spend some time talking with the monks and learn about the history and culture of the region.

Then head towards Hunder Sand Dunes where you can enjoy the ride on the back of the Double Humped Camels that are known as Bactrian Camels. After enjoying the Camel Safari, you will have an assisted transfer to your pre-booked camp. Check in at the deluxe camp and relax. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. You can take a walk near your accommodation and enjoy the sunset of the valley, which looks serene.

Overnight stay at the camp in Nubra Valley.

Wake up to a beautiful day, have a delicious breakfast, and then proceed for the sightseeing tour of Turtuk, which was once a part of the Baltistan region of Pakistan. In 1971, India captured the village during the war with Pakistan. The locals speak the Balti language here as their ethnicity. Situated on the bank of the Shyok River and an oasis of the K2 mountain range, Turtuk is the northernmost village of India. While exploring the village you can interact with locals to listen to some of the interesting stories about the 1971 war and how India captured this strategic village of the Gilgit Baltistan region from Pakistan. You can also learn about the Balti culture and heritage during the village tour. This idyllic village is renowned for its world-class quality of apricots and walnuts. From the village, you can buy the fruits and dry fruits directly from the farms. Spend some time on the bank of the glistening Shyok River and delve into the serene aura of this beautiful place.

After the sightseeing tour of Turtuk, return to Hunder. The rest of the evening is at your leisure and you can spend your time at your own wish. Take a stroll near the hotel and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the region.

Have a lip-smacking dinner at the hotel and enjoy a sound sleep in your cozy bed.

Today, leave the valley early in the morning after relishing a sumptuous breakfast. The mornings here are extremely mesmerizing and you can enjoy the sunrise. Check out from the camp and proceed for Leh by road. En route, you can visit tiny yet beautiful Yarab Tso Lake, which is also referred to as the hidden lake. This crystal clear lake is bounded by barren yet beautiful surroundings. After sightseeing, begin your drive back to Leh via Khardung La Pass.

Upon your arrival, head towards the hotel and complete the check-in at the hotel. Spend the evening by enjoying a leisure walk in the Leh market. You can buy some souvenirs for your loved ones and relish the scrumptious local cuisines.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

On the 6th day of the tour, after having breakfast you will leave early in the morning for Pangong Lake, which is placed at an altitude of 4400 m above sea level. Start driving eastwards of Leh crossing Chang La Pass, perched at an elevation of 5,391 m above sea level. It is one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Enjoy the scenic beauty and panoramic views of the valley from the Chang La Pass and then head towards Pangong Tso. Take a route via Durbuk and Tangtse villages in the Changthang region of Ladakh.

As you reach, you will have an assisted transfer to the camp. Complete the check in formalities and unwind. The rest of the time is at your leisure. Relax for a while and then you can visit the lake in the evening. Finding its place in both India and China, this lake is blessed with enchanting surroundings. The brackish water changes color with the sunlight. Enjoy the sunset here while strolling near the lake and witness the changes in the color of the lake.

Later, return to the camp. Relish in the scrumptious meal and have a sound sleep in your cozy bed.

Start your day early when the surroundings of the lake look even more beautiful. If you want, you can click some photographs here. You can also spot exotic species of migratory birds nearby the lake. After the exploration of the Pangong Tso, return to the hotel. After having breakfast, complete the check out formalities and start driving towards Tsomoriri Lake. The largest lake in Ladakh lies at an altitude of 4,522 m above sea level. You drive up to Kharu and then right to the Moriri Lake. En route, halt at Chumathang Hot springs and you can take a dip as it is believed that the water comprises healing properties. Rejuvenate your senses here and spend some time. Afterward head toward Tso Moriri. Drive past Mahe Bridge and then drive towards the beautiful Tsomoriri Lake. Spot Himalayan marmots on the way. Evening arrival at the Lake. Check-in at the tented camp near the lake. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Freshen up and then you can visit the lake in the evening. Near the lake, you can spot as many as 34 avifauna species. Tso Moriri is located in the Changthang Plateau and it is the largest of the freshwater lakes in India. This high altitude lake is home to several animals including Tibetan Ass, Great Tibetan Sheep, Tibetan Gazelle (Antelope), and Tibetan Wolf. Spend some quality time there in the evening and enjoy the sunset. The lake has been declared a Wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention in 2003. Witness the changing hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again during this trip.

Later, return to the camp. Have a delicious dinner and enjoy a restful sleep in your cozy bed.

After an early breakfast on day 8, start driving to Leh via Tso Kar Lake. On the way, take a halt to visit Puga Geo-Thermal Gas springs, visit the Nomadic Rebo tents at Polo-Kongka La Pass. This is a low mountain pass in Chan Chenmo Valley, which offers an enchanting view of the surroundings. After crossing the pass, stop by Tso Kar Lake - a wetland area. Situated in the Rupshu Plateau, Tso Kar is a saline lake and you can spot some exotic species of flora and fauna. Stop here for photographs and for gazing at the serene environs. You can spend some time here with your loved ones and take a walk near the lake. If you are interested, you can also visit the monastery of tiny Thukje village and soak in the spiritual aura of this tranquil place.

Then proceed towards Leh. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. The rest of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Leh.

On the 9th day of the tour, after breakfast, complete the check out formalities and proceed towards Uleytokpo/ Alchi. On the way, visit the great statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Likir Monastery, which is situated at 3,700 m above sea level. Enjoy the panoramic views of the scenic landscapes of the Himalayas. After spending some time at the monastery, head towards Alchi Monastery, which is renowned for houses 1000-year old murals that are listed among the best Buddhist miniature paintings. The monastery is located on the bank of the Indus River and is renowned as the oldest monastery in Ladakh. This monastery is divided into four separate settlements with monuments that are dating back to different times. The paintings in Alchi Monastery are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh.

Continue your road journey. Finally, you arrive in Uleytokpo/ Alchi. Check in at the resort or hotel. After completing the formalities, you can simply relax. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. You can visit the nearby market or enjoy the natural setting of the town.

Savor the scrumptious dinner at the hotel and have a restful night in your room.

The day is going to be full of action. After having breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on the sightseeing tour of the nearby places. Your first visit is to a region with Lunar landscapes that is Lamayuru, which has an area that is similar to the land condition of the Moon. After this, you visit Lamayuru Monastery, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery houses wall paintings, thangkas, murals, old scriptures, and various statues of different forms of Buddha as well as other deities. After this, you start driving back to Leh. On the way, halt to visit Spituk Monastery, which is also known as Pethup Gompa. The monastery was founded in the 11th century. There is also a museum in the monastery that has a wide collection of ancient masks, antique arms, other icons, and numerous thangkas (Buddhist paintings) that makes it an important attraction in the Gompa.

Afterward take a halt at Magnetic Hill or the gravity hill, a natural wonder of the region, which is also known as Cyclops Hills. This point defies the phenomenon of gravity. Park your vehicle there and enjoy the magnificence of nature while witnessing the vehicle going upward. Visit the Military Hall of Fame, a museum and memorial of the war heroes that are established and managed by the Indian Army. The museum is divided into different sections which contain several displays. There is a section named OP Vijay Gallery, which is situated on the upper floor of the museum and here you can see the various kinds of weapons used in the Kargil war, along with the various other arms and ammunition that were captured by the Indian Army during the war.

Late afternoon arrival in Leh. As the rest of the day is free, you can indulge in some last minute shopping at the popular markets of Leh such as Moti market, Balkhang chowk for apricot, and Super Market.

Post breakfast, pack your bags and complete the check out formalities. You will head towards Leh Airport to board the flight for Delhi.