LEH KARGIL 6N7D 6 Nights / 7 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 place 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. Overnight stay in Ulley

After an early breakfast drive for a full day excursion, we will proceed to Kargil via adventurous NH01. Enroute visit Moonland, Lamayuru locally known as ‘Land of lamas’ with its spectacularly 1000-year-old ancient monastery on an edge of moon like topography referred as 'Moon Land', due to its terrain's resemblance to the surface of the Moon. It is believed Lamayuru to be created by drying a huge lake. Passing through Fotula pass (13,478ft) and Namikala pass (12,139 ft) visit Mulbekh, famous for full body statue of Buddha carved in rock abutting road. It is also a village with mixed population of Muslims & Buddhist living in harmony since ages. Later drive to Kargil property for hi-tea and a 1-hour rest. In the evening visit Hunderman, the last village of India in Kargil where road ends and trek for defense towards their bunkers start, witness bunkers and Dargah in a village located in rugged valley between mountains over which LOC passes. Overnight stay in Kargil.

After an early breakfast, we will proceed to Suru valley, In the evening we will head out to see Drass, Drass (10,800 ft), the second coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia. It Was in this Very Region in which the Indian Army Fought and Won the Famous War of Kargil. Have/take a magnificent view of Tololing, Tiger hill and a War Memorial, a monument that commemorates the historic success of Operation Vijay during the Indo-Pak war of 1999. Later drive back to Kargil. Overnight stay in Kargil.

After early breakfast drive for full day excursion to offbeat Ladakh, Chiktan village located in Kargil, will give you the real experience than the commercialized Ladakh. About 30km after Fotu La, we will reach the village of Khangral. From where the cut to Chiktan village is marked on the highway. Till date, Chiktan village remains a secret place in Leh Ladakh. In case you want to explore the offbeat Ladakh, then Chiktan will just be for you. The village is in the midst of colorful mountains, a road with willow trees on both sides and a river called Kanji Nala follows you along the road. Razi Khar or Chiktan Khar is a ruin of a fort. The fort has an interesting history behind it. There is a hearsay that the brutal killings by its sinister rulers in this fort have made it an abode of the phantoms. Nobody dares to go to Chiktan Fort after sunset. Later we will proceed to amongst the small towns of the Leh Drogpa ethnic minority, known for their friendliness, are the charming hamlet of Dha (or Dah). Dard Aryans inhabit the villages of Dha, Hanu, Beema, Darchik and Garkone. The villages are together called the Aryan valley. The region is called the apricot country, apparently the most delicious apricot in the whole of Leh. On the way back to Ulley head out to visit Rizong gompa, Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery. The monastery is also called "the paradise for meditation" and is noted for its extremely strict rules and standards. The nunnery, located about 2 km from the monastery, is called the "Jelichun Nunnery" or Chulichan (Chomoling), where, at present, 20 nuns reside. Overnight stay at Ulley.

After a leisurely breakfast we will proceed to visit Alchi monastery the only Gompa in Ladakh region, on flat ground. Wall paintings are the major attractions here as they depict details of both Buddhist style and Kashmiri style. The complex houses a huge statue of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork, like baroque style. Drive another few km to witness Likir Monastery, situated at an elevation of 3,700 m and is approximately 52 kms west of Leh, Ladakh. The main attraction of the monastery is the 75 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha gilded in gold. Although the Likir village is secluded, it was once a major trade route traveled by Hemis, Tingmosgang, and Likir to Leh. Later head out to Leh. In the evening walk around the local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

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