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From Dal Lake to Pangong Lake – 7 days
Crossing the Himalayan Range from Kashmir to Ladakh over the Zoji La |
| Tour AP-01: Srinagar - Kargil - Leh - Alchi - Pangong - Nubra - Leh |
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| Until 1992 there was only one access road to Ladakh: the ancient caravan road that leads from Srinagar in Kashmir to Kargil and then along the famous Lamayuru Monastery to Leh. These days most travelers choose the Manali route. But the 'old road' still has a lot going for it. It is steeper and shorter, and as a result the dramatic change of landscape and culture as one passes the Great Himalayan Range is felt even more acutely. A big bonus is its starting point: Srinagar's Dal Lake, regarded one of the highlights of Asia and indeed a very idyllic place to start one of the worlds great road journeys. |
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 Day 01: Srinagar - Kargil (204 Kms)
Morning after breakfast leave for Kargil and visit Sonamarg (known as Meadow of Gold). After crossing the Himalayan Range at the Zojila (11,575 ft/3530m) we reach Drass, reputedly the second coldest inhabitated place in the World. En route we enjoy magnificent views of Tiger Hill and Tololing, peaks that have become famous due to the Kargil war (1999). We reach Kargil by evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kargil - Alchi (160 kms)
Morning after breakfast leave for Alchi, enroute visit Mulbek,the giant living Buddha sculpture on Rock mountain, Lamayuru; the oldest monastery of Ladakh, and "Moon Landscape". Arrive Alchi by evening. Overnight camp.
Day 03: Alchi - Leh (70 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Leh enroute visit Alchi, Likir monastery, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame. Reach Leh by evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Leh - Pangong Lake (160 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third highest motorable road in the world.) Overnight camp.
Day 05: Pangong Lake - Leh (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive back to Leh, enroute visit Hemis, Thikse monastery and Shey Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Leh - Pangong Lake (160 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third highest motorable road in the world.) Overnight camp.
Day 07: Leh - Nubra Valley (120 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Nubra valley via Khardungla (highest motorable road in the world, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by afternoon. Rest of the day one is free to explore Deskit, Hunder villages and camel safari on the sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder village. Overnight at hotel.
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The Great Himalayan Crossing – 13 days
Delhi to Leh via the Spiti Valley |
| Tour LA-02: Shimla – Kinnaur – Lahaul – Spiti - Ladakh |
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| The road journey from Delhi to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a true discovery. You'll travel along ancient caravan routes, in the footsteps of legendary discoverers. After Shimla, in the foot hills of the mighty Himalayas, the trip turns to adventure as you climb through winding roads along the banks of the Sutlej, one of the four big rivers that originate near Lake Mansarowar in Tibet. The landscape gradually changes from lush green ravines to the bare and colorful rocks. Hindu temples gradually give way to Buddhist gompas and prayer flags atop houses, passes and bridges. After traveling through Spiti, an enclave of Tibetan Buddhism caught in an embrace of the Great Himalaya Range, you cross the most famous mountain range on earth through a series of passes that seem to bring you further and further into nowhere. Then the Indus Valley opens up |
| in front of you. Small settlements of white-washed houses, clustered above deep-green fields of barley dot the mountain sides while Buddhist monasteries reach even higher, balancing precariously on precipices and mountain ridges. This is Ladakh. |
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Day 01: Arrival at Delhi International Airport and transfer to hotel.
You'll be met by our staff at the airport and accompanied to your hotel. After time for freshing up you go for sightseeing of Old Dehli. The Red Fort was built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jahan in red sandstone, which gave its name. Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built in the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jahan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, its today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths’ ateliers. Also we'll visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Shanti Sthal, cremation spot of Indira Gandhi and Veer Bhumi, memorial to Rajiv Gandhi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: New Delhi – Chandigarh - Shimla
Transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to Board The Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh Railway Station and transfer to Shimla by jeep (109 kms/4 hrs).
Evening visit the Mall which runs along the top of the Ridge – a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the mall is a large open area with a view of the town, popular with visitors and by locals. Overlooking it is the Christ Church with fine stained glass. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Sightseeing around Shimla.
After breakfast we visit The Vice Regal Lodge – a house of Gothic splendor now institute of Advanced Studies, India’s premier academy for higher research. Very close to Vice Regal Lodge is the Himachal State Museum, a colonial building with collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
Safari Starts
Day 04: Shimla - Sarahan (2165 mts/ 175 kms/ 8 hrs)
We drive via many small towns like Nirth, Rampur through Satluj Valley. At Nirth, there is an old temple dedicated to Sun God which is said to be build by Parshuram (sage). And Dutt Nagar is known for its archaeological importance. Sarahan is a small but beautiful village in which is situated the historical Bhima Kali Temple, believed to be 1500 years old, known for its wooden architecture. One can enjoy the view of Shrikhand Range of mountains in the background of the town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Sarahan - Sangla (altitude 2680 mts / 95 kms / 5 hrs)
Today drive till Sangla from Sarahan over metalled road. Overnight in camp / Guest House.
Day 06: Sangla - Chitkul (6 hrs/altitude 3450 mts)
After breakfast we drive for Chitkul and we visit a beautiful village at Baspa Valley. Here the road is very narrow and steep till Chikul, the last and highest village in Baspa Valley. There is a temple dedicated to local Goddess, Mathi, said to be constructed some 500 years ago. The location of Rackcham - another village in Baspa valley is striking as rocky cliffs of granite rocks and forests surrounding it. We also visit Kamru Temple and the fort in Kamru Village situated at the top of Sangla Village. Overnight at camp/ Guest House.
Day 07: Sangla – Rarang vai Kanam (105 km / 5 hrs)
We drive on the banks of Satluj and reach Jangi. Visiting Ribba Village, one of the biggest villages in Kinnaur famous for Angoori, local alcohol brewed out of grapes and one specialties of Kinnaur. We also visit another beautiful village in Rarang. We Camp at Jangi and after our afternoon tea & snacks, go for a side trip to Kanum. There are several monastic centers founded by Rin-chen-Zangpo (Ratnabhadra, 958-1055 A.D.), a good number of Chas-khors i.e. the doctorial enclaves where facilties for diverse studies were available. The Kangyur temple at Kanum itself is a living testimony to his academic accomplishment. Means, “A place of the sacred book.” Explorind the real Kinnaur in these villages situated on the high hills, which are in the legends of both old Hindu and Buddhist literature. Overnight in camp/ family house.
Day 08: Rarang – Tabo vai Nako (altitude 3050 mtrs / 7 hrs)
We drive along the Spiti River passing through various villages and reached Tabo and Kanum. There are several monasteries founded by Rin- Chen Zangpo (Ratna bhadra, 958- 1055 A.D.), mostly were Chos-hkors i.e. the doctorial enclaves where facilities for diverse studies are available. The Kangyur temple is a living testimony to his academic accomplishment, meaning “A place of the scared books”. The famous Swedish scholar Alexander came here and spent time in the library to study Buddhism. Further we drive along the River Satluj till Khab- the meeting point of Spiti and Satluj Rivers after that drive to way up along zigzags along Spiti River. Driving for another 7 kms along metalled road we reach Nako (2950 mts) situated about 2 kms from Hangrang valley road on the west of Pargil mountain. This is the highest and the largest village in the valley on the Left Bank of river Spiti. It is encircle by high hills, witnessing the presence of former lake. This village is under the influence of Buddhism but there are Hindu local deities too namely Gyalbo, Dabla and Yalso. To the north of the village is the monastic complex with four large temples; belonging to the Dugpa order. Tabo monastery (3050 mts) is the seat of Buddhist learning, established about 1000 years ago. The Gompa is regarded as next significance of the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. This monastery was a part of Western Tibet School that originally designed different Mandela’s in the form of the statues hanging on the walls of the monasteries. The arrival of Guru Padmasambhava, 800 years ago in Tibet and with the instructions of his new sect, old philosophy of Western Tibet School was lost and their unique philosophical practices almost died. Now Tabo is only living monastery outside Tibet, depicting similar Mandalas on the walls of the Dukhang.
Day 09: Tabo – Shego vai Dankar and Pin Valley (110 kms/ altitude 3520 mts/ 7 Hrs)
This morning we drive for Dhankar at a height 3890 about 30 kms. from Tabo, a village situated in the middle of Ridge in striking location, where there is a 6th century Gompa though is not preserved well but it contains some magnificent orginal Thankas and beautiful murals. Unfortunately a part of monastery was destroyed during severe winter of 1989. We cross the Spiti River by a solid concrete bridge and reach Pin River, one major tributaries of Spiti River. This is valley famous for wildlife – lbex, Snow Leopard. There is also Monastery called Kungri Monastery founded by Guru Padmasambhava days. It has a different form Monastery formed of three detached facing due east.
Day 10: Shego (Kaza - 3600 mts) - Drive to the villages of Langja (4400 mts), Hikim – Komik (4500 mts), Kibber (4,205 mts) and Ki Monastery (5-6 hrs)
These Villages are situated over height of 4000 Mts. with striking locations and houses with some of the most interesting monasteries of the Spiti Valley. The ancient Monastery of Hikkim known as the Tangyug Gompa is of unique importance as this is one of the two Sakya Pa Monasteries in Spiti Valley second being situated at Kaza. This monastery is responsible for propagation of Tantra teaching during 14th century is of unique importance in the second valley of Kaza. 13 Kms from Kaza is Kye or Ki Monastery at an elevation of 3969 mts. built around 14th century. consisting of large irregular heap of low ceiling rooms and narrow corridors, interconnect by dark passage built on what must have a crater of an extinct volcano.
This is one biggest & oldest monasteries belonging to the Ge – Lug sect in Spiti. It is famous for its murals, valuable books and fabulous collection of Thankas.
Day 11: Shego – Dadarpul over Kunzam Pass (140 Kms / 8 hrs/altitude 4,551 mts)
We drive over Kunzum Pass and then another narrow track to Chandratal (4270 mts.). The first sight of this wondrous lake takes away once breaths, ringed with meadows carpeted with hundred of varities of alpine flowers on its shore. Today we Camp on the side of Chandra which flows from Chandratal Lake..
Day 12: Dadarpul – Sarchu (7 hrs)
Today we drive along the Chandra River through Lahaul Valley leaving behind Spiti Valley on Kunzum and we join the Leh Manali Highhway at Gramphu. Driving along the fields of potato and peas, dotted by Lahuli Villages, we encounter the local inhabitants working in the fields. After crossing a bridge at Tandi, the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, which later becomes Chenab. These rivers originate from baralacha La and flows into the plain of Punjab. From Tandi we take a route to north along Bhaga Valley to Keylong – the district head head quarter of Lahaul Region. Further driving to Jispa through a different landscape that is almost barren.
Day 13: Sarchu – Leh (9 Hrs)
Early morning we drive for Leh through Nakeela and Lachanngla Pass 16,617 ft. We stop for lunch at Pang .After lunch we drive for Shyangchu Thang (Biggest & Highest Plateau on Earth on Stretch of 42 Kms), Tanglang La Pass 17,585 ft and Indus Valley. On arrival in Led you meet our representative and check-in at our Hotel.
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| Fragrance of Ladakh – 8 days |
| Tour LA-03: Leh - Alchi - Nubra - Pangong - Leh |
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| The Nubra Valley is arguably India's most hidden mountain valley. By road, the only access are two high passeds acros the Ladakh Range, the most direct one - 5400 m high Khadrong La - giving spectacular views of Leh and the Indus Valley. The Nubra-pa (Nubra people) are laid-back and friendly. Their life style is built on independance, the result of centuries of isolation in the no-man's land between the big powers. Chigyelpa (foreigners, all non-Ladakhis) can expect welcoming and at the same time amused smiles. |
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Day 01: Leh
Arrival at Leh airport, to be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Check into the hotel for a complete day of rest and enjoy welcome tea and coffee served by the hotel. Lunch will be served at 2.00 PM, after lunch visit Leh market, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and Shanti Stupa. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 02: Leh - Lamayuru to Ule (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru enroute visit Liker Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Check in at the camp at Alchi or Ule and enjoy your hot Lunch. After lunch drive to visit the mesmerising "moon landscapes" and the Lamayuru monastery (oldest monastery in Ladakh). Overnight camp or hotel.
Day 03: Alchi - Leh (70 Kms)
After the breakfast drive to Leh enroute visit Alchi monastery, Basgo Palace and Hall of Fame. Arrive at Leh by afternoon. Hot lunch at the hotel. After free to enjoy your leisure time. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 04: Leh - Nubra Valley (120 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (highest motorable road in the world, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by the afternoon. The rest of the day you are free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and the camel safari in the sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 05 Nubra Valley - Leh (120 Kms)
After breakfast visit Deskit monastery and drive back to Leh by the same route, crossing Khardungla pass. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 06: Leh - Pangong Lake (160 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third highest motorable road in the world.) Overnight Camp.
Day 07: Pangong Lake - Leh (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive back to Leh, enroute visit Hemis, Thikse Monastery and Shey Palace. Overnight stay in Hotel..
Day 08: Transfer to Airport
Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.
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| Highlights of Ladakh– 14 days |
| Tour LA-04: Leh / Nubra / Panamik / Alchi / Dha / Kargil / Padum / Tsomoriri / Pangong / Leh |
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| Heard about the hidden Nubra Valley, gateway to ancient caravan routes that untill the sixties linked Leh to Yarkand and Kashgar? Saw the film "Five Idiots", read one of the strongly books "A journey in Ladakh" and "The Way of the White Clouds"? Or even browsed through nineteenth century exploration literature? This trip will bring you to the magic places that were so evocatively described. You'll find the magic is still there. |
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Day 01: Leh
Arrival at Leh airport, to be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest and enjoy welcome tea and coffee served by the hotel. Lunch will be served at 2.00pm, after lunch visit Leh market, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and Shanti Stupa. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Leh - Nubra Valley (120 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (highest motorable road in the world, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit village by the afternoon. Rest of the day free to explore Deskit, Hunder villages and camel safari on the sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder village. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 03: Nubra Valley - Leh (120 Kms)
After breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh, crossing the Khardungla Pass. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Leh to Pangong Lake - Leh (320 Kms)
After early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., third highest motorable road in the world. 1200 hrs. arrive Pangong, highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries India & China. Packed or hot lunch. Enjoy the beauty of lake on banks of the lake while appreciating the changing colours of the fascinating high altitude lake. Drive back to Leh. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Leh - Alchi (70 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Alchi enroute visit Basgo Palace, Liker Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Arrive Alchi by afternoon. Packed or hot lunch. Visit Alchi monastery and spend rest of the day free to explore Alchi village. Overnight hotel or camp.
Day 06: Alchi - Kargil via Dhahanu and Sanjak ( Kms)
After breakfast drive to Leh via Dhahanu, A beautiful village of Aryan people. Arrive Kargil by evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 07: Kargil - Padum (250 Kms)
Early morning drive to Padum (Zanskar), On the way, you can have magnificent view of Nun Kun Peak and Dran Drung Glacier. Visit Rangdum Monastery. Reach Padum by evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 08: Padum
After breakfast leave for full sightseeing of Karsha, Stongdey & Sani. Back to Padum by evening. Overnight at the hotel
Day 09: Padum - Kargil (250 Kms)
After breakfast leave back to Kargil by same route via Penzi La pass. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 10: Kargil - Leh (230 Kms)
After breakfast leave back to Leh by same route. Reach Leh by evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Leh - Tsomoriri Lake (240 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Tsomoriri Lake (240 Kms. approx.) via Push, Chumathang (hot spring) Reach Tsomoriri by afternoon. Evening take a walk around the lake to enjoy the scenic beauty. Overnight Camp.
Day 12: Tsomoriri Lake - Tsokar Lake (120 Kms)
Early morning leave for leisure walk on the lake and enjoy the beauty of the lake and its changing colours. After breakfast leave back for Tsokar Lake, enroute visit sulphur mines. Arrive Tsokar Lake by afternoon. Packed lunch. Overnight camp.
Day 13: Tsokar to Leh (130 Kms)
After leisurely breakfast drive to Leh passing through Taklang La, second hight motorable road in the world 17,585 ft. Enroute visit Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries and Shey Palace. Arrive Leh by evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Transfer to Airport
Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.
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| Ladakh Monasteries Tour – 5 days |
| Tour LA-05: Leh / Hemis / Alchi/ Lamayuru/ Leh |
Click to view the full itinerary
Day 01: Leh
Arrival at Leh airport, to be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest and enjoy welcome tea and coffee served by the hotel. Lunch will be served at 2.00 PM, after lunch visit Leh market, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and Shanti Stupa. Overnight Hotel.
Day 02: Leh to Lamayuru to Ule (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru enroute visit Liker Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Check in camp at Alchi or Ule and enjoy your hot lunch. After lunch drive to visit the mesmerising "Moon landscapes" and the Lamayuru monastery (Oldest Monastery in Ladakh). Overnight camp or hotel.
Day 03: Ule to Leh (70 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Leh enroute visit Alchi monastery, Basgo Palace and Hall of Fame. Arrive at Leh by afternoon.
Day 04: A complete day of visiting the monasteries (104 Kms)
After breakfast drive to visit Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or hot lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight hotel.
Day 05: Transfer to Airport
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.
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| Pangong darshan – 6 days |
| Tour LA-06: Leh - Lamayuru - Pangong - Leh |
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| Two of Ladakhs most popular highlights are its gompas - Buddhist monasteries - and the famous Pangong Tso (lake) on the border with Tibet. On this short trip you'll be taken first to Lamayuru and then Alchi Gompa, famous for its murals and ancient Kashmiri style paintings. Then you'll travel over the ancient caravan route to Lhasa to dip your toe in the icy blue waters of Pangong Tso, on of India's biggest fresh water bodies and definitely its highest (4350m). |
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Day 01: Leh
Arrival at Leh airport, and welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest and enjoy welcome tea and coffee served by the Hotel. Lunch will be served at 2.00 PM, after lunch visit Leh market, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and Shanti Stupa. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Leh - Lamayuru to Ule (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru, enroute visit Liker monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Check in camp at Alchi or Ule and enjoy your hot lunch. After lunch drive to visit the mesmerising "Moon landscapes" and the Lamayuru monastery (oldest monastery in Ladakh). Overnight in camp or hotel.
Day 03: Alchi - Leh (70 Kms)
After the breakfast drive to Leh enroute visit Alchi monastery, Basgo Palace and Hall of Fame. Arrive at Leh by afternoon. Hot lunch at hotel. After free at your leisure. Overnight hotel.
Day 04: Leh - Pangong Lake (160 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third highest motorable road in the world.) Overnight in camp..
Day 05: Pangong Lake - Leh (160 Kms)
After breakfast drive back to Leh, enroute visit Hemis, Thikse Monastery and Shey Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Transfer to Airport
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.
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