Mystic Ladakh

DAY 2: DELHI – LEH Early this morning we transfer to the airport for one of the most spectacular flights to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. On arrival in this beautiful town, north of Indus River at an altitude of 3000 m, you are metand transferred to your hotel. The evening is at leisure allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude. Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 3 nights

After a leisurely morning allowing you to acclimatize completely, the afternoon is devoted to a short tour of the town visiting the Sankar Gompla, Spituk Gompla, Shanti Stupa and the Leh Palace.

Today we have a full-day excursion to the Thiksey Monastery, setting off early to see the sunrise and a prayer ceremony, followed by a picnic breakfast. Afterwards we’ll visit the Hemis Monastery, one of the biggest in this region. On the return to Leh, we stop at the Shey Palace as well as enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening return back to the hotel.

This morning we leave for Saspol (62 kms – 4 hours’ drive) and en route visit Likhir Gompa. Lunch will be at our campsite bt the river, and tonight we visit Alchi Gompa and the local village. Overnight Camping

We depart today for Lamayuru (66 kms / 2 hrs approx) taking a packed lunch. After visiting its monastery, we drive back to Leh (128 kms / 4 hrs approx). The balance of the day is free to relax or to explore the Leh market on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Setting off after breakfast, we head for Nubra (124 kms 7 hrs) along the world’s highest motorable road khardung la (pass) (5602 M) and into the valley that lies on the trade route from Leh to Kyagar via Sasser and Karakoram passes. Apart from offering great trekking opportunities, the valley also has spectacular vistas and some beautifully designed monasteries such as Diskit monastery famous for its murals and paintings and Sumur monastery. Accommodation – Camping – 2 nights

Today we will explore the valley’s natural beauty including nearby Hundar and visiting hot springs and the Ensa Gompa in Panamik. The region is also famous for Bactrian (two-humped) camels.

This morning we drive back to Leh stopping for a picnic lunch en route. On arrival, check into the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Pangong Tso (lake) (170 km/4-5 hrs) via Changla pass (17,500 ft.) This region is known as Changthang Valley and is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and azure blue lakes. The area is inhabited by the Changpas nomadic yak and Pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin. It has good wildlife as well like Blue Sheep, Ibex, Kyangs (Wild Asses,) marmots and the famous Snow Leopard. Accommodation – Camping – 2 nights

This morning, we explore the villages in Changtang Valley and visit Pangong Lake. Situated on Indo-China border, Pangong Lake is one of the largest lakes in Himalayas at 4,267m with approx. one-third of the lake in Indian territory and rest under Chinese control. Spangmik and other scattered small villages have a scanty population of Changpa.

Today, we drive back to Leh and on arrival in Leh, check into our hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or to explore the Leh market on your own. Overnight at the hotel

Early this morning check out the hotel prior to being transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi On arrival at Delhi, transfer to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight there is an optional visit of Kingdom of Dreams where you can see a live performance by some of the Bollywood artists, dancing to thematic stories and “desi item songs”. Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights

After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city. In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandi Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Following lunch we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India. Note: This trip is recommended for people with good health with no record of high altitude sickness. Average altitude of Ladakh region is over approx. 3,000 m and some passes are as high as 5,602 m.