Amazing Ladakh with Sham Valley - Standard

• 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

• After an early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass (5486 Mtrs). 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.
• The Chang La (also known as Changla) is one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The pass, guarded and maintained by the Indian Army (due its proximity to Chinese border), is covered with snow throughout the year. This road is usually open all year, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. The Changla Pass is the main gateway for the Changthang Plateau situated in the Himalayas. The pass is located on the 134 km-long (83 mi) road between the Pangong Lake and Leh. Road closures can be frequent.
• Later, we 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 it's 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.
• After spending some time at Pangong, we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Leh and hit the road to Sham Valley (75 kms/4 hrs). Start to drive downstream along river Indus on Leh - Kargil Highway. Enroute visit Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence of the two rivers of Indus (Sangam).
• 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 heroes. 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 worshiped 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.
• Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery & Ridzong Monastery.
• Likir Monastry: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa, is located in a village named Saspol, approximately 52 km (32 miles) west of Leh. This is a monastery of Gelugpa monastic order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth King of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. The complex of the monastery houses a number of shrines. Presently, there are 120 Buddhist monks.
• Ridzong Monastery: Rizong (or Rhizong) gompa, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery is also called the Yuma Changchubling in Ladakh, India. It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru. It was established in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima under the Gelukpa order, at Ri-rdzong. There are 40 monks in the monastery. The monastery is also called "the paradise for meditation" and is noted for its extremely strict rules and standards.
• After visiting above places we drive further and check in at our camp / hotel for overnight stay.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, check-out from the camp and drive to the 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery. Located at Lamayuru Leh district, this is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. This splendid monastery is considered as one of the fascinating places that one must visit. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently, in earlier days the number was 400.
• Enroute visiting the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland - exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon). Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides.
• On your return, drive to Leh enroute visiting the Alchi Gompa. Alchi Monastery is a group of ancient Buddhist shrines that together form one of the most important religious centres in Ladakh. This gompa attributes its establishment to the legendary translator Rinchen Zangpo, who built it in AD 1000 by bringing 32 wood carvers and sculptors from Kashmir. The monastic complex consists of several temples and chortens, which belong to different time periods. Some of the oldest existing wall paintings of Ladakh are preserved in this monastery. The mural of 1000 Buddhas forms the highlight of the ancient artworks displayed here. Imposing statues of Lord Buddha and other deities are present in this shrine. These idols have beautiful wooden carvings and artworks, which can be compared to the artistic style of the Baroque period.
• Finally, you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, we proceed to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World).
• Khardung La: The Highest Motor able Road in The World at 5,602 Mtrs. / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. The views from the top of the pass are amazing.
• Later, we visit Hunder and Disket Monastery. 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.
• Proceed back to Leh for overnight stay at Leh Hotel.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, we start on a sightseeing tour visiting Matho Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Stok Palace and Mahabodhi.
• Matho Monastery: Located around 26 kilometers away from Leh, on the picturesque Indus Valley, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built under the Saskya Monastic Establishment. It was constructed around 500 years ago. It was established by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410, who belongs to Sakya order. It houses a marvelous collection of ancient Thangas and known for its Matho Nagrang Festival. It is an annual festival which takes place in the first half of March. It is a nice place where you can understand Buddhist teachings and philosophies.
• Stakna Monastery: Stakna Gompa or Stakna Monastery is a buddhist monastery located approximately 45 km from Leh. Enshrined by Chose Jamyang, a Bhutanese saint and scholar who established the monastery in the second half of the 16th century, this gompa is a visual display of the religious and cultural heritage of India and Buddhism. As it is erected on a hill looking like a tiger’s nose, Stanka Monastery derives its name from the same hill. The monastery inside has the image of Arya Avaloketesvara from Kamrup (Assam). The Stakna Gompa belongs to the Dugpa sect of Buddhism and is the residence of about 30 Monks. On entering the courtyard, there is a big assembly hall known as Dukhang whose walls are adorned with beautiful paintings of Sakyamuni, Tsephakmad and Amchi. On to the right of courtyard, there is a seven feet tall silver gilded chorten having figure of Lord Buddha with some notes. Then parallel to the hall there are paintings of Bodhisattva, Tshong-san-Gompa and Padma Sambhava.
• Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre: The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) is a great example of one man's vision turning into reality. Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena established the Mahabodhi International Meditation Center in 1986 to offer both spiritual instructions as well as desperately needed humanitarian services to impoverished people in the remote land of Ladakh.
• Stok Palace: Stok Palace, built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in 1825, in the present times is the residential palace of the royal descendants of King Sengge Namgyal. The architecture of this palace is a perfect mix of the traditional and the contemporary architectural styles. This palatial property consists of a number of beautiful gardens as well as a library that has around 108 volumes of the Kangyur (a collection of teachings of Lord Buddha). The palace is located around 15 kms away from the main city of Leh. This palace hosts an annual dance-mask festival in which there is a huge participation by the locals. There is also a collection of royal clothing, crowns and other important things which you can see while on the excursion of the palace.
• Later, return to Leh. Overnight stay at Hotel.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

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