The Travel Expert
My Vacation Diary
The Full Package
Shrinagar Leh Tour By Road
Quick info.
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Pickup Point: Shrinagar
Drop Point: Shrinagar
Route: Srinagar–Kargil-Sonmarg-Lamayuru-Khardung La -Nubra Valley-Pangong Lake– Leh-Kargil-Srinagar
Day-1
SRINAGAR TO KARGIL VIA SONAMARG.
On a way to Kargil we have to pass through Sonmarg and after g long drive we reach Kargil by late evening.
Zoji La: (3528m) Zojila is located on the National Highway 1D between Srinagar and Leh in the western section of the Himalayan mountain range. Zoji La is 9 km (5.6 mi) from Sonamarg and provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir and is the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
Drass: (3280m) A few km beyond Drass is the Drass war memorial, built in the memory of fallen soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war and a must visit for every traveller passing through this route. From here it is a straight run to Kargil and you will be there with in 1-½ Hours. Kargil is the intended pit stop for the majority of travellers. Overnight stay at Kargil.
Day-2
KARGIL TO LEH VIA NAMIKALA PASS(12198 ft.)
AND FOTOLA PASS(3,510 m).
After breakfast drive towards Leh with some spectacular view from the pass. Overnight hotel in Leh.
Mulbek: The chief attraction is Mulbek Chamba, a 9m high rock sculpture in deep relief of the Maitreya, the “Future Buddha” which reflects a unique blend of esoteric symbolism, with early Buddhist art.
Lamayuru: It was originally the foremost Bonpo monastery in Ladakh and was called g Yung-Drung Monastery (from Tibetan: g Yung-drung-a swastika-a popular symbol in Bon, Buddhism. The oldest surviving building at Lamayuru is a temple called Seng-ge-sgang, at the southern end of the Lamayuru rock, which is attributed to the famous builder-monk Rinchen Zangpo. (958-1055 CE). Lamayuru is also known by Land o Broken Moon.
Day-3
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-4
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 Bactrian 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 Rocky Mountains 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-5
LEH TO PANGONG LAKE – 13,930 FT.
(160 KMS / 4 - 5 HRS – ONE WAY)
Full day trip, after early morning breakfast we leave for 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. Overnight at Pangong camp.
Day-6
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 on route visiting Hemis monastery, 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-7
LEH TO KARGIL
After break fast drive to Kargil via Lamayuru (Moon Land) and Mulbek.
Lamayuru: It was originally the foremost Bonpo monastery in Ladakh and was called g Yung-Drung Monastery (from Tibetan: g Yung-drung-a swastika-a popular symbol in Bon, Buddhism. The oldest surviving building at Lamayuru is a temple called Seng-ge-sgang, at the southern end of the Lamayuru rock, which is attributed to the famous builder-monk Rinchen Zangpo. (958-1055 CE). Lamayuru is also known by Land o Broken Moon.
Mulbek: The chief attraction is Mulbek Chamba, a 9m high rock sculpture in deep relief of the Maitreya, the “Future Buddha” which reflects a unique blend of esoteric symbolism, with early Buddhist art. Overnight stay at Kargil.
Day-8
KARGIL TO SRINAGAR VIA ZOJILA PASS. DROP
After break fast drive to Srinagar via Zojila pass and get drop at Srinagar.
Drass: (3280m) A few km beyond Drass is the Drass war memorial, built in the memory of fallen soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war and a must visit for every traveller passing through this route. From here it is a straight run to Kargil and you will be there with in 1-½ Hours. Kargil is the intended pit stop for the majority of travellers. Over night stay in Hotel.
Zoji La: (3528m) Zojila is located on the National Highway 1D between Srinagar and Leh in the western section of the Himalayan mountain range. Zoji La is 9 km (5.6 mi) from Sonamarg and provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir and is the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.