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. Beatiful place to enjoy 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, you will have to start drive to Sham valley. Your last destination will be moon landscape about 130 kms away from Leh town. By noon you will reach Lamayuru. Lunch will be served there and after that first you will be shown moon landscape and then lamayuru monastery built on hill lock, picturesque in nature. Belong to Drigung sect of Tibetan Buddhism administered by Kyapje Toldan Rinpoche. Many scared temple to visit. While driving back Leh enroute you will be shown Alchi monastery opposite to Saspol village, built by Lotssava Rinchen Zangpo in 11 century. It is the largest one built by him in the region. Painting of the wall are different from other monasteries of ladakh. It has been drawn as per Indian style. Nest you will be shown Basgo monastery on the hill top. And than Sangam confluence of Indus of Zanskar river in Nemoo. After that magnetic hill and last visit to Pather sahib Guruduara. And then straight driving back to hotel. Overnight in hotel/guest house.
After having breakfast at hotel/guest house you have to start drive to 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. You will see colourful religious flags hosted on the top. You can visit small temple there on the top. Enjoy some time on the top with snow and ice. And then 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. Sacred monastery built on the mountain visit and pray for world peace.
Today you have to take breakfast early and start drive to Pangong via Changla pass. It’s a beautiful lake that share boundaries of India and China. In Indian side the lake is 40 miles in length and 2-4 miles widths. It is said that only 25% portion of lake is Indian side. The main attraction of the lake is its changing colour of the water, its keeps on changing and birds fly surrounding the lake looks beautiful. 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.
High altitude lake lies in the valley of Korzok (Changthang) surrounded by barren mountains about 240 kms away from Leh town to the direction of south east. Inhabit by people, whose main occupation is rearing animals. Due to high altitude crop does not grow in these places. While driving to lake, you get to Chumathang hot spring, stopover for buses and taxis to have tea and snacks. The place is famous among local for medicinal hot spring. During autumn season many people come here for treatment with medicinal practitioner called Amchi to cure disease like Arthritis, APD etc. You will reach Tsomoriri by afternoon. In the evening you can visit Korzok monastery and walk around the lake to enjoy the beauty of it. Night will be halt at camp/hotel in Korzok.
Another beautiful lake about 120 Kms away from Tsomoriri lies in the valley of Rupsho. In ancient time the lake used to have a main source of salt for the local. People from throughout the region used to come here for getting salt. Now it is a pasture land used by nomadic people to graze their animals. You may see nomads rearing animals in this area. Lunch will be served at lake. Spend some time there and drive back to Leh via Taklanglla (2nd highest motorable road). You will reach Leh by evening. Overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Leh.
Early morning check out from the hotel/guest house. Drive to airport to fly for Delhi.
