Leh India is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh India has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in India.
Here is how you will spend your time
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival At Leh + Evening Sightseeing
Arrive at Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be one of the Most Sensational Flights in the World. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif).
Upon arrival, you will met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for check-in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize to the higher altitude. In the evening, visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market.
Leh Palace: Located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh palace is also known as Lhachen Palkhar. The former palace of the royal family of Leh, it was erected in the 17th century. The place was one of the tallest structures with 9 storyes during its heydays. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Leh.
Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of 4267 meters overlooking the Leh city, it gives a panaoromic view of surrounding snow capped mountains. Situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps . The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city. It is built as a two level structure, a flight of stairs leads to the first level where a Dharmchakra (as in white strip of Indian national flag) with two deer on each side, features a central image of Lord Buddha in golden colour sitting on a platform turning the Dharmchakra wheel, the second level depicting the birth of Buddha, defeating of devils in meditation and death of Buddha along with many small images of meditating Buddha, all embossed in vibrant colours.
Leh Market: The main market of Leh is a Street market with many lanes and bylanes, all of which have small shops selling a variety of products. One can find everything here from shoes to clothes and woolen wear as well as jewelry. Also, carpets, shawls, and souvenirs are available here. The Tibetan Refugee Market is also set up here which sells locks with unique carvings, artifacts, and souvenirs. The market also sells sonorous bowls prepared by a combination of nine metals like cymbals, decorative brass and copper trumpets. It's hard to communicate with local shopkeepers since they sometimes do not understand your language. However, bargaining is essential in a market like this. Otherwise, one may end up paying more for products sold here.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer
Day 2
Day 2: Half Day Excursion To Sham Valley
After breakfast drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh - Kargil Highway and start sightseeing with:
Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame, located near the Leh Airfield, is a museum constructed as well as maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. It is also termed as a memorial for the war heros. This building consists of two floors. While on the ground floor, there is information about the brave soldiers and a souvenir shop but on the first floor, there are artifacts of various wars (mainly Kargil war) such as the weapons used during the war and some important documents, related to the same. There is another section dedicated to the Siachen glacier.
Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Situated 25 miles from Leh in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib stands at the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first guru, is believed to have vanquished a demon. Though the region is predominantly Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is also worshipped and venerated by Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists venerate Guru Nanak as Guru Gompka Maharaj and as Nanak Lama.
Magnetic Hill: The popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. To the eastern side of the hill flows the Sindhu River, originating in Tibet and is an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh. An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.
Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River: Nimmu is a beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River drains the dry and deserted terrains of Ladakh's landlocked valley and serves as its lifeline. Zanskar, on the other hand, is a tributary of this river and merges into it from the north-eastern direction. On its way to the meeting point, the river passes through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge, which is a dream destination for trekkers.
After visiting above places we drive back to Leh enroute visiting Spituk Monastery. Spituk is an interesting monastery, on the hill top near Indus about 18 kms from Leh on Srinagar road. The Spituk monastery offers a commanding view of Indus. It has a totally new Gompa within the monastery as well as the old Gompa has also been restored meanwhile. It is constructed in a series of tiers with courtyards and steps. Higher up in the hill is a chamber which houses the enormous statue of goddess. Its face is covered and uncovered only once in a year during the festival time. The Spituk Gompa was founded in 11th century by Od-De, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od. The Gompa was named Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially the Gompa was run according to the Kadampa school then during the reign of king Gragspa Bumide he converted it to Gayluk Pa order. Many icons of Buddha and 5 thangkas can be visited in this 15th century monastery. The Dukhang Hall is the largest building and has two rows of seats running the length of the walls to a throne at the far end. Sculptures and miniature chortens are displayed on the altar. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms and fine thangkas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava. The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival in January.
Evening at leisure and Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer
Day 3
Day 3: Trasfer From Leh To Nubra Valley Via Khardung La
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and we drive to the 'valley of flowers' Nubra Valley (120 kms/4-5 hrs). After you hit the road, your journey to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (5602 mts, 18,390 ft, 39 km from Leh) - the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass, one can expect stunning views of Indus valley and the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and the giants of the Saser massif to the north. Nubra Valley is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.
Upon arrival in Nubra, check in to your hotel/camp in Hunder. In the evening, take a walk around the tiny villages to get an idea of the way locals live. A visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged (subjected to availbality at extra cost if applicable). Overnight stay at camp / Hotel.
Travel from Leh to Nubra Valley
Travel
59min
Day 4
Day 4: Transfer From Nubra Valley To Leh
After an early breakfast, we check-out from the camp/hotel and drive to Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) (at your own cost) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road is Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains.
On the return, stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.
Diskit monastery also known as Diskit Gompa is situated in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. This Buddhist center is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. The Diskit monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100 foot high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama. From the top of the Gompa, where the divine statue is settled, one can have a panoramic view of the Nubra valley.
Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh you will check in to your Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer
Travel from Nubra Valley to Leh
Travel
59min
Day 5
Day 5: Transfer From Leh To Pangong Lake Via Changla
After an early breakfast, we drive towards Changla Pass. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong, you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m).
This famous blue brackish lake of Pangong is 5/6 kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "Indo China Border". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival, we check-in at our Camp near Pangong lake. Overnight stay at the Camp.
Travel from Leh to Pangong
Travel
2hrs 20min
Day 6
Day 6: Transfer From Pangong Lake To Leh Visiting Shey Palace, Hemis & Thiksey
After a morning of leisure and relaxation exploring the beauty of Pangong Lake, hit the road to Leh. Tibetan for 'high grassland lake' Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. You may recognize its timeless beauty from its feature in Bollywood film 3 IDIOTS (2009). This disputed territory and saline water lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. At the first glimpse of the azure, tranquil waters and shaky lakeshore, it is hard to imagine that the lake sprawls over an such an expansive area.
On your way to Leh, visit Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Rancho School & Shey Palace.
Hemis Gompa: Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.
Thiksey Monastery: Thikse Gompa is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh, is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.
Shey Palace: Shey palace is located near Leh city. The palace is comes under archeological survey of India and mostly ruins now. It was constructed in 1650 by the king Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh which was used as a summer retreat. The palace has the largest CHANGCHUP (Chorten stupa) in Ladakh, the top of which is made of pure gold. Later on, king also constructed Shey monastery in the memory of his father. The Royal palace and monastery built in sixteenth centrury A.D. enshrines the DU-KHANG with the copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha rising to a height of three storeyed. Later on the royal family of Ladakh shifted to Stok Palace in 1834. The three stored palace has 7.5 meters statue of seated Sakyamuni Buddha made of from copper and brass plated with gold silver and studded with gems and precious stones.3 Idiots
Rancho School: This school became famous after the Aamir Khan's movie Three Idiots. The name of this school is Druk Padma Karpo School , this is also known as Druk White Lotus school. The clean and eco friendly structures of the school is designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred on of the most beautiful schools in the world by BBC London in the year 2016. On arrival here you will be taken inside the campus with a guide and can visit different parts of the school. You are not allowed to disturb students or take any photographs of them. There is a café and one souvenir shop available inside the campus. Minimum time required is 15 to 20 minutes to visit this beautiful school campus.
Drive further to Leh and check in to hotel at Leh for overnight stay.
All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer
Travel from Pangong to Leh
Travel
2hrs 20min
Day 7
Day 7: Departure From Leh
TripFactory thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination with a lifetime memory.
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