Day 01 - Arrive In Leh (Altitude 11,500 FT.)
You will arrive at the KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) which is nestled in the midst of The Mighty Himalayan Mountain Range. Leh Airport; one of the highest airports in the world is also considered to be one of the most scenic owing to its heavenly surroundings. It is encircled by immense, golden brown, barren mountains which are truly a sight for sore eyes.
You will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Leh City. The rest of the evening is for you to acclimatize yourself by casually strolling in and around your lodgings. Overnight stay at Leh City. The capital of Ladakh, at one time was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”.
Day 02 - Leh & Sham Valley Sightseeing (50 KM / 3-4 HRS – One way)
Explore the gorgeous town of Leh and its beautiful stopovers. Most prominent among them is the Leh Palace. The ruins of this 350-year-old, 9 storey high Palace offer a breath-taking view of the city of Leh and its surroundings. The Leh Market is starkly different to its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself.
Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows their influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Jama Masjid, Zorawar Fort, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill all lie within 25 km of Leh’s radius. Also within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame. It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who served, and/or perished on the borders during wartime.
The Sangam (Confluence of rivers) between the ice cold Zanskar and the mighty Indus is incredible to watch. It's gushing blue waters put on a stunning display of power. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.
Day 03 - Leh to Nubra Valley viaa Khardung La 17,582 FT. (127 KM / 4–5 HRS)
After an early breakfast, you’ll check-out & head to Nubra Valley. The road to the Nubra Valley goes through the 11th highest motor-able road in the world, the mighty Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft.). This Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow. However the bone-chilling cold there is more than compensated by the unparalleled view that it offers, of the Ladakh mountain range. Descending down from Khardung La you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley.
On arrival, you’ll first visit Diskit Monastery. It is over 250 years old and is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Next to that lies an imposing 100 feet statue of Buddha, in its resplendent golden avatar. Later you’ll visit the sand dunes atHunder. You can ride on the backs of the world famous double hump camels’ here. These mammals are extremely rare and are found in merely a handful of places all over the world (the camel ride is on direct payment basis).
Later check-in at the camp & spend the evening looking up at the skies. The pollution free air of Ladakh offers ample opportunity for stargazing.
Day 04 - Nubra Valley (Hunder) - Excursion to Turtuk Village (83 KM / 2-3 HRS – One way)
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive towards Turtuk in Nubra Valley.Turtuk is a tiny village set on the rocky banks of the Shyok River, inhabited primarily by Ethnic Muslim Population. Turtuk is the village closest to the LOC that tourists are allowed to visit.
Even though the primary trade of Turtuk is agriculture, it can be seen that all around the village there are beautiful statues and intricate handicrafts made by the locals of the village. It is also one of the last towns in India to still have prominent Balti Culture. The village is widely known for its apricot trees. Be sure to buy some apricots and try their authentic apricot based stew before heading back to Hunder for the night.
Day 5 - Nubra Valley to Tso Panhong 13,943 ft. via Shyok River (170 KM / 5-7 HRS)
After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. viaShyok. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists.
The magic of Pangong Lake lies in its changing hues, as the sun hovers over it. It is probably the bluest and the most crystal clear lake you would have seen so far. It is home to many migratory birds, from ducks and geese to the rare and elusive Black-necked Crane. What will surprise you is that the lake lies only partially in India, its major chunk lying in China.
In winter the entire lake freezes to the point where you can walk over it. Upon arrival you’ll check-in at the guest house/camp and spend rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Day 06 - Tso Pangong to Leh via Chang LA 17,585 FT. (174 KM / 7-8 HRS)
After breakfast, take some parting shots with the lake. You will then head back to Lehvia Chang-La pass (17,585 ft.). Chang-La pass is the 10th highest motor-able road in the world. On your way back, you’ll first stop at Tso Ltak, an unexplored lake at 16,102 ft. situated on the foothills of Chang La.
From here drive to Hemis Monastery which existed before the 11th century. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must visit on your Ladakh Adventure. Later visit Thiksey Monastery. It is located on the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing and exploration. The monastery has an interesting anecdote of how it was built in this exact location.
Stop at the Druk Padma Karpo School. This is the school we saw in the movie ‘3 idiots’. Rancho’s School. You’ll visit Rancho’s Café, a café just outside the school campus. You can have some crunchy snacks and coffee while enjoying the memorabilia from the movie that is kept in the café. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, rest of the evening is at your own leisure.
Day 07 - Depart Leh transfer to the Airport
In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.
