India Tours: India Ladakh Tour Itinerary
Ladakh, the region of mountain passes, a piece of broken moon land- a perfect place to witness the unmatched beauty of nature. Ladakh is the highest plateau of the Indian state of Kashmir with much of it being over 3,000m. It lies between 32 to 36 degree north latitude and 75 to 80 degree east longitude. The total area of 45110sq km makes Ladakh the largest district in India. Kargil lies at an altitude of 2750m and Leh at 3505m. The largest town in Ladakh is Leh.
Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It spans the Great Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges and the upper Indus River Valley. The district borders Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the west and China in the north and Eastern part and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in the south east. Ladakh's ethnic composition consists of Mongoloid and a mixed Indo-Aryan population of Mons and Dards. It is sometimes called little Tibet due to strong cultural and geographical similarities with Tibet. The approach to Ladakh is invariably marked with many long walls running 2-3 kms, decorated with engraved stones bearing the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hun" and Chortens which symbolizes Buddha's mind. Buddhism is the religion of the majority of Leh District's population. The most attractive features of the Landscape of Leh are the Buddhists Gompas (Monastries). The Gompas are situated on the highest points of the mountain spurs or sprawl over cliff sides, located in vicinity of villages and provide focus for the faith of Buddhists. Gompas have a wreath of artifacts.
Tour Length: 11 days
Day 1:
Delhi Arrival. On arrival, receive assistance at the airport and transfer to a hotel.
Day 2:
Proceed for a city tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit historic sites including the Red Fort comprising exquisite palaces reflecting Mughal architecture; the Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India; the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory dating back to 1199 AD and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India, Rajpath and India Gate.
Day 3: Delhi – Leh (1 hr 30 minutes by flight)
On arrival, receive assistance at the airport and transfer to a hotel. Take a complete day of rest to acclimate to the altitude.
Day 4:
Today, you will visit Leh Market, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and Shanti Stupa.
Day 5: Leh - Lamayuru - Ule (160 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
In the morning, drive to Lamayuru, the oldest monastery in the Ladkah region. The exotic location of this monastery is perched atop a hill after crossing a narrow gorge giving the feeling of being on the moon. En route visit the Liker Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. On arrival in Ule, check into a camp. Later, drive to visit the mesmerizing Moon landscapes and the Lamayuru monastery. In the evening return to the camp.
Day 6: Alchi - Leh (70 Kms / 3 hrs)
Drive back to Leh in the morning. En route visit Alchi monastery, a World Heritage Site, famous for its beautiful frescos, Basgo Palace and Sangam - (the confluence of the Zanskar & Indus Rivers). This is a beautiful site to watch the mighty Zanskar meet the Indus. On arrival in Leh, check into the hotel. Enjoy, the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Leh - Nubra Valley (120 Kms / 5 hrs)
In the morning, drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla which is the highest driving road in the world at 18,380 feet. Arrive at Deskit by afternoon. On arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and ride the camels in the sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village.
Day 8: Nubra Valley - Leh (120 Kms / 5 Hrs)
In the morning, visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh via Khardungla pass. On arrival in Leh, check into the hotel. Enjoy, the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9: Leh - Pangong Lake (160 Kms / 4 – 5 hours)
In the morning, drive to Pangong Lake. Located at an altitude of 14,500 ft, Pangong is the second highest camping ground in the world. The journey passes through the Chang la Pass at 17,800 ft. which is the third highest road in the world. On arrival in Pangong, check into the camp. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure, to savor the beautiful vistas of the surroundings and the ever changing colors of the Lake. Stay overnight at the camp.
Day 10: Pangong Lake - Leh (160 Kms / 4 – 5 hours)
In the morning, drive back to Leh and en route visit Hemis monastery which is one of the most famous of the monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery belongs to the Drukpa order. Later visit Thikse Monastery, famous for a 3 story high statue of Maitreya Buddha and the Shey Palace – erstwhile residence of the rulers of Ladakh. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Leh Departure
In the morning, receive a transfer to airport to board a flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, receive assistance at the airport to connect to your international flight home.
