Undoubtedly one of the most tranquil regions in India, Leh-Ladakh is beautiful and mysterious. From soaring palaces on craggy peaks to beautiful monasteries with simple designs, this is truly a unique world.
Day 1: Arrival At Chandigarh To Manali
Upon arrival at Amabala or Chandigarh Railway station / airport you will meet by our driver and drive to Manali. On arrival we check in at our pre arranged hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Manali Sightseeing
Post breakfast, half day tour visiting Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery (closed on Mondays) and few old temples in Naggar village. Afternoon half day city tour visiting Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Tibetan Monastery and Vashisht Village. Evening free to explore Manali market. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Manali To Jispa
Post breakfast, we check out from the hotel and the abundance of greenery and trees dramatically disappears into arid landscapes as we ascend the steep mountains over Rohtang Pass. We can expect a few muddy tracks at times. Enroute view spectacular scenery of the Lahoul Valley all along the River Chandra. Upon arrival, check in at our hotel / camp in Jispa for overnight stay.
Day 4: Jispa To Sarchu
Post breakfast we check out from the hotel and ride north on the Manali-Leh Highway. You get to see some of the most breath taking landscapes that the Western Himalayas can offer. The scenery gets more stark and barren as we climb up to the 16,500-foot high Baralacha La the second mountain pass on our journey. From the pass beautiful views of meadows and snow-capped mountains can be seen. By early evening we reach the small hamlet of Sarchu with set on a large plateau. Upon arrival in Sarchu we check into camp. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 5: Sarchu To Tsomoriri
After breakfast today there is a drive almost 200 km journey full of beautiful landscapes on the way when you reach at Tsokar 115 km and ahead 85 km is Tsomori-ri Lake. Tsomoriri is full of natural Landscaped which includes beautiful small lakes on the way and Mountains after this drive you reach to the Rupshu valley. Tsomori-ri is the Biggest Brackish water Lake which has no outlet. Overnight Camp.
Day 6: Tsomoriri To Leh
Day 7: Leh (At Leisure)
Complete day at leisure to explore the destination on your own. (No transport) Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Leh To Sham Valley
After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib nestled deep in the Himalayas. A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity and further driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River. Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery. Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus to or Uletokpo or Tingmosgang enroute visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. After visiting above places we drive further and check in at our camp / hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: Sham Valley To Leh Via Lamayuru
Post breakfast you drive to the 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery 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 you first visit the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we drive back to Leh. Finally you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 10: Leh To Nubra Valley Via Khardung La
Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) 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. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level. Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our camp / hotel in Hunder for overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. A visit to a Ladakhi home can be arranged. Overnight stay at the camp or hotel.
Day 11: Nubra Valley To Leh
After an early breakfast we check out from the camp and drive to Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) 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 are rockymountains 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.
Day 12: Leh To Pangong Lake
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace. The ancient capital of Ladakh and 3 Idiots Rancho school and further 5 Kms Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards 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 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. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 13: Pangong Lake To Leh
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for overnight. In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 14: Departure To Leh
Check out from the hotel and proceed towards the airport to board your return flight.