BEST OF LADAKH

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The Desert in the Mountains,  the land of several passes “ The Moon land”. Geographically on the Tibetan Plateau, located between the two highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas and Karakoram. Its Tibetan culture which is cut off from the rest of the world for centuries has flourished and left very much untouched.  People by a race related to Tibetans stock in culture, and religion. Language and features, it is also called “Little Tibet”.

LADAKH has become one of the most popular summer destinations for foreign tourists to India. It remains monsoon-free due to the great barrier of the Himalayas. The best way to enjoy Ladakh is to start trip from Srinagar via Sonmarg and Zojila Pass. The best season is between mid-May to mid-October.

Transfer to Domestic airport for flight to Leh the capital of Ladakh spectacular mountain flight over Great Himalaya and one can see Karakoram mountains to the capital of Ladakh. On arrival at Leh airport meet and assist and transfer to hotel, take rest to acclimatize the Leh altitude which is 3550 meters. Afternoon visit Chemo Palace and Leh bazaar, the Palace is worth a visit overlooking Leh town. You can visit the Shanti Stupa built by the Japanese to spread the peace. The sculptures of Buddha and other paintings on the walls are round-shaped temples. Have wonderful sunset pics from the Shanti stupas and later visit Leh bazaar and Tibetan market. Dinner and Overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast, visit Shey Palace, Thiksay and Hemis Monasteries. Shey is 15 Km from Leh is set up on a hill, the monastery has a two-story statue of the sitting Buddha wrought of copper and gold that leaves the sense breathless. Thiksay, en route to Hemis Gompa, provides a panoramic view of the green Indus valley. Thiksay houses beautiful tankas, there are 60 resident lamas. Later visit Hemis the Ladakh's biggest monastery, Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel.

Today after sufficient acclimatization, be prepared for a spectacular journey Khardungla Pass (5578 Mts) the highest motorable pass in the World, to the valley of Nubra in the Far North by the Tibetan border. The view from the top of the pass is amazing. Enroute visit to the 150 yrs old Samthangling Gompa at Sumer, a large complex with 7 temples that was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in the year 1962, (OPTIONAL) Double Hump Camel Ride (Bactrian camel) in the High altitude desert Sand dunes, afternoon return to beautiful camp for dinner & night stay.

After breakfast at camp, Visit the main village which is Diskit which has a regular bazaar and Gompa. From Diskit the town proceeds down the Shyok to the small village of Hunder (3,048 Mts). Afternoon, return to Leh over Khardungla la savoring the spectacular scenery once again. On arrival check in hotel later you may want to visit the Tibetan market and the Leh bazaar for last-minute souvenirs. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.

After early breakfast, depart at 5:30 am for Pangong Lake 140 kms one way, situated at 4267 mtrs through Changla Pass 5490 meters above sea level enjoy the beautiful panoramic View of the villages below the pass, the summer pastureland of the YAKS, Arrive DURBUK and from there, a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the land escape in the backdrop of the lake. A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometres at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. The first view of the lake is breathtaking because of striking colours of its water especially towards evening when it is deep blue. Return to Leh. Enjoy some shopping in the bazaar for Tibetan artefacts at Tibetan Market. Overnight and dinner at hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for Spectacular Mountain flight to Delhi.