Ladakh, the land of high passes, is a region in the northernmost stretches of India with blurred boundaries of culture and traditions between neighbouring countries like Tibet and China. In the past, the region’s strategic location at the crossroads of several trade routes was a lifeline for its people, which tourism today provides. Ladakh’s tranquil, turquoise lakes, adventure sports like river rafting and trekking, and the numerous Buddhist monasteries, make it among the most unique destinations in India.
BREATHTAKING LADAKH - ITINIRARY
JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Delhi 02 night
Leh 03 nights
Nubra Valley 02 night
Stok 02 nights
Nimmu 02 nights
DAY WISE ITINIRARY
DAY 1 : arrival Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport terminal you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast proceed on a colonial walk of New Delhi, a city that largely owes its present-day avatar to a man named Edwin Lutyens, a man best known for adapting traditional architecture to contemporary styles. Head towards the India Gate, a monument commemorating the deaths of over 70,000 Indian soldiers in the British Forces during the World War I. Older British buildings that were used as power hubs house today’s Parliament and Secretariat.
Thereafter immerse yourself in the heritage of India with a private Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi (closed on Sunday), a stronghold of the Mughal empire. Trail through the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, pastmonuments of every faith, to experience the sacred yet secular way of life that is so typical of India.
Lunch today will be at your discretion on direct payment.
After lunch we will drive to the Humayun’s Tomb and step back into time, as we visit this 16th Century tomb built for the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, an older tomb of Inayat Khan, and a functioning masjid, the Humayun’s tomb is a lovely relic from the past.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3 : DELHI – LEH
Meals included: Breakfast
Transfer with assistance to Delhi airport to catch your flight to Leh. On arrival into Leh Airport, meet with our representative at the arrival lounge. Transfer approximately 20 minutes to your hotel.
As we have flown to a height of more than 10,000 feet, it is highly advisable to take complete rest and utilise this day to acclimatise yourself before venturing out.
Stay overnight in Leh.
Day 4 : LEH
Meals included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, venture out on a short excursion to Leh town. Visit the white dome shaped Shanti Stupa sitting on a hilltop that offers a sweeping view of Leh town. A must visit is the Central Asian Museum at Leh which gives a concrete and proper understanding of the history of the region and includes vital artefacts of the area, some dating back to hundreds of years.
A short break for lunch will be followed by visit to LAMO Centre – Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation.
LAMO is a public charitable trust established to articulate an alternative vision for the arts and media in Ladakh. The complex in which the Centre is located comprises two historical houses at the foot of Leh Palace. These houses were carefully restored by LAMO and converted to an arts space with galleries, offices, a library and reading room, screening room, conference room, and open-air performance site. The Centre is designed to conduct outreach programs, lectures, film screenings, research and documentation projects, workshops and exhibitions that showcase Ladakh ‘S material and visual culture, performing arts and literature.
From here you will walk through the old city area ending in the Leh Bazaar
Stay overnight in Leh.
Day 5 : LEH
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
This morning you have the option of visiting the Thiksey Monastery for a prayer ceremony followed by breakfast with monks at the monastery. Being the first monastery visited on this trip, Thiksey represents Tibetan Buddhism in all its form that is highly noticeable. Standing above the Thiksey village, the monastery gives one a great view of the valley below.
From here drive approximately 30 minutes to Hemis, the biggest and perhaps one of the oldest and richest monasteries of Ladakh. Hemis also plays the host to one of the most famous monastic festival held every year during June / July to celebrate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava.
Based on your personal interests you may visit the Shey Palace on the way back from Hemis. Once a summer palace, Shey today stands mostly in ruins.
For those wishing for something more a late afternoon hike to the ruins at Saboo is worth the effort. It also gives one a nice view of the sunset and of the geography below.
Stay overnight in Leh.
Day 6 : LEH – NUBRA
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you will commence your 5 Hours journey into the Nubra Valley via the Khardung La pass (the highest motor able road in the world).
We will stop enroute for a picnic breakfast. As you get closer to Nubra, you will meet with the Shyok River running along the route. The landscape is breath taking while we get closer to our destination.
Check-Into your accommodations followed by Lunch.
Visit to the nearby Tegar village is a suggested activity for this evening. You have the option of either walking or use a bicycle to get to this settlement which was an important stop on the Silk Route.
The Maney Ringmo situated near to the village is another important place to note. This three hundred year old stone wall is a test of time of the importance of the nubra region on ancient trade routes. Another important peek into history here is the Zamskhang palace. Once belonging to the kings of Nubra, it is now mostly standing in ruins.
Stay overnight in Nubra.
Day 7 : NUBRA
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day excursion to Turtuk a village which was once a part of Pakistan before 1971 and last major settlement in India before the line of control with neighbouring Pakistan at Thang. Turtuk is the only village in India to represent the Baltistani culture.
Visit to Panamik Hot springs & Yarab tso: Drive to the fascinating hot springs at Panamik by taking the road towards Siachin. A hike to the breathtaking high altitude lake of Yarab Tso is an experience to treasure with stunning views of the Karakoram.
Hike to Ensa: Perched on a hill top, Ensa monastery is a hike up to the hill. The hike is adventurous and the monastery takes you back in history.
Walks around the camp: For nature and wildlife lovers, the area of Sumur is rich in avian fauna including larks, pipits in plenty apart from Bearded Vultures and Golden Eagles who use the cliffs surrounding the valley to glide. A walk by the banks of the Nubra River, (a tributary of the former Shyok) is an added experience. The high cliffs of the Karakoram in this region throws up a possibility for spotting the Ibex or the Lynx.
Visit to the Diskit monastery: A drive to diskit and visiting the monastery at sunset can be a rewarding experience for guests and photographers alike to get views of the golden Buddha from the top of the monastery.
Stay overnight in Nubra.
Day 8 : NUBRA – LEH– STOK
Meals included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, you will drive back to Leh via Wari La Pass (about 5 hours). Wari La is a beautiful valley where high barren mountains meet green pastures for a brief moment. It is rugged and remote and there is seldom another vehicle you would encounter on enroute. A slower pace of driving will open up possibilities of encounters with high altitude Wildlife such as Marmots, Woolly Hare, Pikas, Bearded Vultures and Golden Eagles.
Stop enroute for a hot cup of Chai and a light snack, before continuing on your drive to Stok. Just before approaching Leh town, you will take the diversion leading to Stok, located across the Indus River opposite Leh.
Upon arrival check into Stok Palace, the royal residence of current scion of Namgyal Dynasty, the erstwhile rulers of the Kingdom of Ladakh.
The remainder of the day would be at your leisure. You may explore the village of Stok on foot guided by a staff from your Palace hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your evening over dinner and conversations with the owners, subject to their presence.
Stay overnight in Stok.
Day 9 : STOK
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
This morning enjoy a hearty breakfast at the terrace of the Palace offering sweeping views of valley on one side and mighty Stok Kangri peak on the other.
After breakfast, visit the Palace Museum that houses some of the amazing artefacts of Stok dating back to over two hundred years followed by a walk around of the Palace. The palace belonging to the Namgyal Dynasty is a fine example of how the family protected the heritage all these years. It was around mid-19th century that the royal family moved from Leh Palace to Stok Palace.
This afternoon will be at your leisure. Short walks and hikes around Stok Palace and village are available on request.
Stay overnight at Stok.
Day 10 : STOK – LAMAYURU – NIMMU
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast this morning you will drive about 3 hour to Lamayuru. Driving along the river Indus, you will briefly stop for photo opportunities at the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers.
Lamayuru, for its stark similarities often referred to as moon land, is one of the ancient and largest monasteries of this region. It hosts the lesser known but very interesting Yuru Kabgyat festival every year during June.
Visit of the monastery followed by Lunch at Apricot Tree in Nurla. After Lunch you will drive back to Nimmu.
Just before approaching Nimmu we stop at the Basgo village. Once an ancient city, Basgo today lies in ruins. A view from atop the Monastery at Basgo provides a dramatic setting for photographers. It is also a special place for historians. The monastery itself is beautiful with murals and a large Buddha on the inside.
Upon arrival check into the Nimmu House, a tastefully renovated old Ladakhi house set in an orchard in the middle of a quaint little village.
Dinner & Overnight at Nimmu House.
Day 11 : NIMMU
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast this morning, a leisurely drive of approimately an hour would bring you to the to the village of Tia. Walking through narrow alleys and traditional old houses some of which are as old as four hundred years makes for an interesting activity and is more like turning back in time to what the entire region would have once been like.
A short drive to Thingmosgang village allows us to get insights into the lives of nuns and the system of nunneries in Tibetan Buddhism. We break for Tea here. Conversations with some of the oldest nuns is an added cultural and spiritual insight.
A simple lunch can e organised at hotel Namra set in the middle of the Thingmoshang village.
After lunch we will drive a short distance to explore Alchi monastery. Very distinct in architecture with a beautifully carved wooden façade this monastery has fine wall paintings inside that depict belief of Tibetan buddhism and teachings of the buddha. These are awe inspiring forms of history, beliefs, spirituality and art.
After the visit you will return back to Nimmu House. Spend the remainder of your evening at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Nimmu House.
Dinner will be at hotel. Overnight at Nimmu House.
Day 12 : NIMMU – LEH – DELHI
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred a short distance to the Leh Airport. Our erepresentative will provide assistance for Check-In on your flight to Delhi. And assistance at Delhi airport to proceed to you flight back home.
End of Services
