Ladakh lies to the north of india, with two district. Before Indo-Pak cease fire Ladakh used to have three district Leh Kargil and Skardo. But later on Skardo became a part of POK. The place is known for its varied landscape, Buddhist monasteries, high mountain passes, lakes and above all peace environment and hospitable people. Altitude varies between 9000 to 14000 fts above sea level. The place is inhabited by people of Indo Aryan and Tibeto Bramin. Since independence region was part of J&K state but now with the re-organization act, the State has been divided into two different UT. The Union territory of Ladakh and the Jammu and Kashmir. Leh is the head quarter of Leh district in the centre. To the north there is Nubra valley, South Marka valley, West Sham valley and to the east its Changthang valley. Every direction has its own distinct characteristics.
You will be landed at Kushok Bakulla airport Leh in the morning. Our representative will be there to welcome and guided you to the hotel/guest house for check in. Leh being on high altitude, it is necessary to acclimatize properly before doing any activity. So you have to take complete rest for a day. In the evening you can visit Shanti stupa built by Japanese for world peace on the mountain above Changspa village. Beautiful place to see the sunset view and views around Leh and its surrounding. Over night in hotel/guest house.
After breakfast, you have to start drive to Hemis monastery belong to Drukpa kargyud sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that, it is the largest monastery of Ladakh founded by Lama Taktsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso during the reign of King Singe Namgial. It is built on the base of mountain just above the steam. Many temples and one big museum contain religious articles, Buddhist text, script and many more to see. Enroute visit Shey palace on a moutnain built by king Deldan Namgial in 17th century AD. And later on he made three storey copper guilt statue of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha in the memory of his father. After driving for about 3 kms you will reach Thiksay monastery on the hill top just on left side while going toward Hemis around 17 kms away from Leh, resemble to Potala of Tibet belong to Gelukspa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The most beautiful monastery of Ladakh, monastic community is going on under the supervision of Kyapje Khanpo Rinpoche. While returning to Leh you can visit stakna monastery built on tiger nose shape mountain other side of Indus river belong to drukpa Butanese origin. Inside monastery you can visit many statue of Buddha, Boddhisatva and deities. You will get back to Leh by afternoon. In the evening you can visit market and enjoy leisure there. Overnight in hotel/guest house.
After having breakfast at hotel/guest house you have to start drive to Nubra valley (130 kms) via Khardungla pass highest motorable road (18380 fts). Enjoy the view of snow on the mountains surrounding there. Its the gateway to Nubra. Temperature remains cool throughout the year on the top. Next you will reach Khardung village, where you can stop for hot tea and maggi etc. After driving for about one hour from there, you reach Khasar village another stop over for travelers. Still Diskit is one hours drive from there.
You will reach Hunder by afternoon. Check in to hotel/guest house. Rest for a while and then you will be taken to visit Diskit monastery founded by lama Sharap Zangpo in 14 century built on the hill lock, picturesque in nature, part of Thiksay monastery. Just adjacent to monastery there is huge statue of Maitraya (Future Buddha) in open. Being on the height, the place is very nice to enjoy the view of Shayok river and surrounding villages. And then you have to drive back to Hundar sand dunes located between Diskit and Hundar to enjoy the rest of the hours. Double Hump camel safari can be done there. Overnight in hotel/guest house.
After having breakfast you have to start driving back to Leh, reach Leh by lunch. Afternoon you will be shown hall of fame, it’s a museum built by Indian Army to show war material and many more for general public, Leh palace built by king Singe Namgial in 16 century AD. Its is on the mountain walking distance from market, main attraction of Leh town and Tsemo gonpa just above the Leh palace. Very sacred monastery to visit, pray for peace and prosperity of all sentiment beings. Day 5: Leh to Pangong via Changla in oneday.
Today you have to take breakfast early and start drive to Pangong (160 kms) via Changla pass. It’s a beautiful lake that share boundaries of India and China. It is said that only 25% portion of lake is Indian side. The main attraction of the lake is colour of the water, keeps on changing and birds fly surrounding the lake. The destination is almost 145 kms away from Leh town to the east. The place is also famous for shouting of film. Every year film maker from Hollywood and bollywood come here for shooting of the film. Hot or pack lunch will be served there. Enjoy sometime there and start driving back to Leh to reach Leh by time. Overnight in hotel/guest house.
See off at the airport Leh for taking off to Delhi.
