LADAKH 8 Nights 9 Days Package 8 Nights / 9 Days

A warm welcome at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh at an elevation of 3500m above sea level and board the vehicle for a transfer to hotel. Check in to the hotel for a half day of rest for acclimatization. Evening drive to visit Leh Palace Known as Lhachen Palkhar. The former palace of the royal family of Leh was erected in the 17th century. The palace was one of the tallest structures with 9 stories during its heydays and now a wonderful example of medieval Ladakhi art. Later visit Shanti Stupa on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful city of Leh, a marvelous gigantic white domed dedicated to Buddhism was built in 1991 by Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to commemorate Buddhism and promote world peace. Here you can enjoy the various shades of the sky with the golden light illuminating the valley as the sun sets. In the evening walk around the local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

Day starts with Hall of Fame, which encapsulates the essence of patriotism and displays exhibits relating the bravery of Indian soldiers and their courageous accomplishments. Later we will proceed to Sangam (Confluence of Zanskar and Indus River), enroute we will visit locally popular Kali Mata temple dedicated to Goddess Kali Kali Mata Temple, followed by Spituk Gompa - an 11th century monastery. Next on the list of attractions is Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, which was constructed by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 in memory and honor of Guru Nanak - the founder of the Sikh faith. Drive another few km to witness Magnetic Hill, the place where gravity takes a backseat. It is marked by a yellow signboard which reads “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity”. When a car is placed in neutral, it will begin to roll backwards, apparently uphill. Driving through a picturesque landscape, we reach the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River (Sangam), Zanskar river rafting is the highest in the world and 2nd toughest in India and known for the famous ‘Chadar Trek’ (frozen river) during winter when the temperature plunges to -30-degree Celsius. Driving along the NH1, we returned to Leh in the evening. Overnight stay in Leh.

After an early breakfast we will proceed to Khardongla, driving over one of the highest motorable roads in the world at an altitude of 18,379 ft. … We stop at the pass to admire and click some photographs of the fantastic view. Later head towards Nubra, locally known as Dhumra ‘The valley of flower’ the valley is situated on an old caravan route at the confluence of the Shayok and the Nubra rivers. Crossing the charming valley of Diskit – the tiny capital of Nubra, we will visit the Diskit Monastery, perched on a rocky spur above the village, with a commanding view of the entire valley. Here you will witness magnificent 106-feet high, statue of Maitreya Buddha on the hill. From Diskit we will drive towards Hunder, popular for its camel ride in the high-altitude cold desert. The camel safaris are done on Bactrian Double-humped Camels which are reminder the bygone era of Silk Route trade. The vast stretch of sand dunes between Hunder Village and Diskit is where you will see the Bactrian Camels grazing in the sea-buckthorn forests. It is also where most of the safari rides are offered. Here you can enjoy double-humped camel ride, ATV, Karting, Zip lining on direct payment basis. In the evening we will drive back to the camp/hotel. Dinner and overnight in camp/hotel at Nubra

The village of Turtuk is among the newest additions to the list of tourist destinations in Ladakh. It is a small village sandwiched between the Karakorum Range and the Himalayas, and one of the northernmost villages of India, close to the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. "On the night of December 13, 1971, the people of this village went to sleep in Pakistan. The next morning, they woke up in India." A border village that was recaptured by the Indian Army in 1971 is now controlled mainly by the Ladakh Scouts a rear department of the Indian Army. Locals have relatives across the border (Line of Control). Turtuk is one of the few places in India where one can witness Balti culture, and there is an old royal house to see in the village. Turtuk is known for its fruit, especially apricots. A full day rough excursion and evening back to Nubra Valley. Overnight in camp/hotel at Nubra.

After early breakfast at camp/hotel head towards the most awaited destination. Crossing a short cut and it's a beautiful route via Shayok and a nomadic village of Tang Tse and Durbuk . You will be delighted with what surprise nature has in store for you. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed blue, stands in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China. Afternoon we reach at Pangong Lake you could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

After early breakfast head out to Hanley, enroute visit, Rezang La War Memorial, Rezang La houses the symbol of courage of the Indian Army; a revamped war memorial which was inaugurated by our defense minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (18 November 2021). Built in 1963, Rezang La Memorial is a symbol of determination and indomitable courage by our Indian Soldiers. It is a place where many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives to protect our country from China in 1962. The battle restricted China to enter Leh during the war. Rajnath Singh paid tribute to 114 soldiers who died during the battle at Rezang La on 18th November 1962. Later head towards Umlingla which is now the highest motarable road, return back to Hanle in the Changthang region of Ladakh. Hanle has a hill top Hanle Monastery offering some great aerial views of the whole village that is the home of about 1000 people. The views from the top of the monastery are just breathtaking. Hanle also houses an Indian Astronomical Observatory which is the world’s highest observatory in the world at a staggering height of 4500 Mtrs. The Hanle Observatory is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and is currently the second-highest optical observatory in the world, with an installed telescope of about 2.01 meters (6.5 feet) in diameter. Overnight stay in camp at Hanle.

After a leisurely breakfast head out to Tsomo Riri Lake. Witnessing the breathtakingly beautiful Changthang valley with lot of yaks and nomad's around, take way further as Sumdo – Kiagar Tsomo Riri after Mahe Bridge. Tsomo Riri lake is at an altitude of 4,522 m (14,836 ft). It is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India and entirely within Ladakh in this Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region. Later we will proceed to visit 400 years old Keorzok monastery on the western bank of the lake. Overnight stay in camp at Keorzok village.

After early breakfast drive for full day excursion, we will proceed to Leh via Tanglang La, enroute visit Puga, known for its borax and Sulphur deposits and hot water springs. Puga Valley is also a favorite place for wildlife enthusiasts. Along with yaks, wild horses and sheep, Puga is also home to many species of migratory as well as resident birds. For many, Puga is an important breeding ground. Take the black-necked cranes for instance. Puga is one of the very few places on earth where one can find black-necked cranes, making them one of the most vulnerable bird species in the world. After a few km witness Tso Kar, a fluctuating Salt Lake. Until a few years ago the lake was an important source of salt, which the Changpa nomads used to export to Tibet. The basin of the Tso Kar and the adjoining More Plains constitute one of the most important habitats of the Kiang, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wolves and foxes; there are Himalayan marmots in the higher reaches. The nomadic settlement of Thukje is located 3 km in the north. Later head back to Leh. Evening free for shopping. Overnight stay in a hotel at Leh

Early morning transfer to Leh airport to board flight back to destination. Journey ends with sweet memories of Ladakh