Ladakh Cultural Delight

Arrive at Leh (3500m) by flight. The flight to Ladakh is an amazing experience as one flies over the imposing Himalayan range offering breathtaking views. KVT representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for acclimatization. In the evening, you may stroll around in the market area.
(Meals: Nil)

Today we will do the local exploration visiting Leh Palace, the nine storied palace built in 1553. One can have a beautiful view of Leh city and surrounding mountains. Then, we visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa located on a hilltop. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Afterward, proceed to Shankar Gompa – it is a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. We also visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched on a hilltop from where we have a bird’s-eye view of the Leh city. The Gompa has a three-storey high solid gold statue of Matireya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Later we visit the local market of Leh. (Meals:- Breakfast)

After breakfast we start driving towards Rizong Monastery (2 – 2.5hrs drive). Upon arrival we will visit Rizong monastery – built in 1831, this monastery belongs to Gelugpa Sect (Yellow hat) and is well known for its strict rules & regulations and considered as ‘the paradise for meditation’. Later we proceed to Alchi and visit the Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest and famous monasteries of Ladakh, founded in 11th century and located on the bank of Indus river. After the visit we proceed to or hotel and check in to the room. (Meals:- Breakfast, Dinner)

Today early morning we start hiking towards Mangyu monastery, a walk of around 2 hours from Alchi. We follow the trail that leads us through a small bridge on Indus river. We cross Gera village and enter a deep gorge. We will then cross a stream to reach Mangyu village where we will visit the Mangyu monastery – comprises of four temples, it is believed that it is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh built in the late 12th century by Lotsawa Rhinchen Zangpo. After spending some time exploring the temple complex and the beautiful paintings of Sakyamuni, we return to Alchi and relax at the hotel. (Meals:- Breakfast, Dinner)

Early Morning Visit the Shey Palace, a monastery noted for it’s giant copper and gilded stone statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha.
After breakfast drive back to Leh and proceed for a visit to two of the most important monasteries of Ladakh. We head towards Thiksey Monastery – located on top of a hill. This monastery resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Thiksey monastery houses a large statue of Buddha and this is one of the most frequently visited monasteries in Ladakh. After that we visit Shey Palace – a monastery known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. We return to Leh and check in to our hotel. (Meals:- Breakfast)

In the morning, we head towards Nubra valley (4 – 5hrs drive), which is also known as the valley of flowers. The drive is quite interesting loaded with breath-taking views of the snow-peak mountain ranges and it takes us over the world’s highest motor-able pass of Khardung La (5602m). Here we stop for some time and then drive towards Nubra valley. We reach Nubra valley by late afternoon and check-in to the guest house. In the afternoon we visit Samstanling Monastry or Sumur Monastry – a 19th century monastery in Sumur having elegant paintings and murals of Lord Buddha and his teachings.
With the guide in the afternoon visit Samstanling Monastry or Sumur Monastry – a 19th century monastery in Sumur having elegant paintings and murals of Lord Buddha and his teachings. Also walk through the streets of this small town and arrange with your guide to visit one of the old rambling houses. Approximate driving time 5-6 hours. (Meals:- Breakfast, Dinner)

Post breakfast , we explore the Nubra Valley and take a short hike to Yarabtso lake, situated 15 Kms from Disket region and is believed to be a sacred place. It is a high altitude lake hidden in the Sumur village and can only be reached on foot. Being highly revered by locals you will see colorful flags fluttering around its waters. Continue with our drive from the Nubra valley to the Shyok valley to visit the Hunder village, famous for its giant sand dunes near the river and its large herd of Bactrian (double humped) camels. Optional ride of the Bactrian camel on direct payment basis. Later we visit the Diskit Monastery – located on a hilltop, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley and belongs to the Gelugpa sect (Yellow hat). (Meals:- Breakfast, Dinner)

Morning we start our way back to Leh crossing the Khardung la for the second time. Upon arrival at Leh we will check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the town on your own and to explore its local market. (Meals:- Breakfast)

After breakfast we drive to Pangong Tso (4 – 5hrs drive), crossing Chang La (5360m) – one of the highest motor-able passes in the world. Upon arrival we will check in to our camp. We have a full day to explore the surroundings of Pangong Tso (4250m). The first glimpse of the serene, bright blue waters and rocky lakeshore remains etched in the memory. We get an opportunity to watch birds by the lakeside which is really spectacular. (Meals:- Breakfast, Dinner)

Morning we head back to Leh, en-route visiting the famous Hemis Monastery. Hemis Monastery – a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage. It holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. The annual Hemis festival ) is held at the courtyard of the Monastery in which locals and the monks (Lamas) together celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Afterwards, we continue with our drive towards Leh, reach there and check-in at the hotel. (Meals:- Breakfast)

Early morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to the onward destination via Delhi. (Meals:- Breakfast)