The Travel Expert
My Vacation Diary
The Full Package
Discover Ladakh
Quick info.
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Pickup Point: Leh
Drop Point: Leh
Route: Leh–Shyam Valley-Lamayuru-Nubra Valley- Pangong Lake –Hemis- Khardong La-Leh
Day-1
Arrival At Leh
Arrival Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport one of the world highest operated airport in the world at 3500 mtr above sea level . On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun in Zanskar valley. Upon arrival you will met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for Check in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize followed by Welcome tea or Coffee at the Hotel. Evening Visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day-2
LEH - EXCURSION TO SHAM VALLEY
(75- 80 KMS One Way 4-5HRS)
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 & 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-3
SHAM VALLEY TO LEH VIA LAMAYURU
(180 KMS / 05 – 06 HRS)
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-4
LEH–NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA 18,380 FT. (120 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS)
After 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) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,380 ft, 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-5
NUBRA VALLEY – LEH (120 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS)
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.
Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh you will check in to your Hotel. In the afternoon you can rest and relax. In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day-6
LEH TO PANGONG LAKE – 13,930 FT.
(160 KMS / 4 - 5 HRS – ONE WAY)
Full day trip, after early morning breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake enroute visit Thiksey morning pooja, where one can see the monks on their daily routine through Changla pass (17,586 ft) world third highest motorable road in the world. After 2 hrs of drive you reach to Changla pass, stop for a short period for photography. Drive ascending towards Pangong reach Tangtse where you can relax for a cup of tea/ coffee. 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 13,930 feet. This famous high altitude Lake of Pangong is 5- 8Kms wide and over 140 Kms long with 30 % in India and 70% in China. This large, serene lake forms a brilliant color variation including deep blue, dark green, turquoise,etc. After spending some time at lake drive back to Leh via same route. Overnight at hotel.
Day-7
PANGONG LAKE TO LEH
(180 KMS / 5-7 HRS)
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis monasterya, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyut 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-8
LEH – CHUMATHANG – TSOMORIRI
(240 KMS / 06 – 07 HRS)
In the morning leave for Tsomoriri Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh &3 Idiots Rancho School& 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 Chumathang, which is famous for medical hot spring and people visit to this place for medical bath.
From here a short drive will take you to Mahey bridge, the main checking point to enter to this new area. On the way visit Sumdah village and another 55 kms drive will take you to Tsomoriri.
The Tsomoriri Lake is located at 14,000 ft. near a small village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes, Tsomoriri Lake is also the breeding ground for numerous species of birds, like the bar headed goose, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown-headed gull. The Tsomorir Lake is 8 kms wide and 28 kms long. Upon arrival we check in at our camp for overnight.
Day-10
DEPART FOR LEH
(FLY OUT)
After early morning breakfast transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination. Fly back with the sweet memories of Ladakh.
Day-9
TSOMORIRI - TSOKAR – TAKLANGLA (17,586 ft)
LEH (240 KMS / 8 HRS)
After an early breakfast we check out from our camp and visit Korzok village with its houses and its Gompa appearing like a mirage. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. Later we drive to Tsokar, The nomadic people Changpas are most outstanding feature of this area. They can be seen moving from one place to other grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. Changpas pass their days with their animals and move with their flocks, their only wealth from pasture to pasture according to changing season. Their flocks, their yaks, and goat's hair furnish the raw material of which they make their ropes, their clothes and shoes. All day long men and women are busy milking, churning the milk into butter, making ropes, weaving mats and other fabrics. These people have been completely beyond the pale of all civilizing influences.
Even towards the fag end of the twenty first century, they belong to a primitive pre-historic age, The Drive is scenic and Tsokar lake is one of the best. And after spending some time we proceed further to Leh. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
