Best of Ladakh

(Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days)

(Destinations Covered: Leh, Monasteries, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake)

The Journey Begins Now

DAY 01: ARRIVE LEH

Arrival Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be one of the MOST SENSATIONAL FLIGHTS IN THE WORLD. 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 massif.) 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 MARKET & SHANTI STUPA. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02: LEH TO SHAM VALLEY (92 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh - Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting GURUDWARA PATTHAR SAHIB Nestled deep in the Himalayas, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. A drive of another 4 km took us to MAGNETIC HILL which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the CONFLUENCE OF THE INDUS AND ZANSKAR RIVER 4 km before Nimmu village, Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the LIKIR MONASTERY. The name Likir derives from the word Lukhgil (coiled snake) as the site appears to be encircled by two great serpent spirits - Nanda and Taksako. 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 TINGMOSGANG or ULETOKPO, where on arrival you check into a Fixed Camp.

In the afternoon you visit 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. There are fine silver chortens that contain the relics of the founder and his son.

Later walk back to Uletokpo or drive to Tingmosgang for an overnight stay at a Fixed Camp.

DAY 03: SHAM VALLEY TO LEH VIA LAMAYURU (158 KMS / 05 - 06 HRS)

Post breakfast you proceed 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. The monastery has gradually expanded over the years and newer structures have been built around a large courtyard. The antiquity of this site is evident from the large number of chortens, similar to those at Alchi.

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 Alchi you proceed to BASGO, which lies astride the road to Leh. The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. It was an important center in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries, and the seat of that branch of the dynasty, which eventually unified Ladakh and took the surname Namgyal.

Finally you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.

DAY 04: LEH TO PANGONG LAKE (140 KMS / 6 HRS)

After an early breakfast we leave for PANGONG LAKE enroute visiting SHEY PALACE, The ancient capital of Ladakh & THIKSEY an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards CHANGLA PASS 5486 MTRS. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village . Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. 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 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival we check in at our Camp near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.

DAY 05: PANGONG LAKE TO LEH (140 KMS / 6 HRS)

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting HEMIS GOMPA, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight

DAY 06: LEH-NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA 18,390 FT. (120 KMS / 4 - 5 HRS)

Post 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 M / 18,390 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. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.

DAY 07: 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 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 08: DEPART LEH (FLY OUT)

Tour concludes. Mountain Trails thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.

COST OF THE PACKAGE:-

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:-

• Return Airfare from Delhi - Leh - Delhi in Economy class
• Assistance upon arrival at Leh airport with traditional welcome in the Hotel
• 05 Nights Accommodation on twin sharing Basis as per the Itinerary in Leh with breakfast & Dinner
• 01 Night in West Ladakh Camp (Uleytokpo) or Namra Camp (Temisgam) in Sham Valley with all meals
• 01 Night in Nubra Ethnic Camp (Hunder) in Nubra Valley with all meals
• 01 Night in Pangong Lake Deluxe Camp in Pangong Lake with all meals
• Return airport and round trip transfers along with all sightseeing tours by Non-Ac Scorpio / Xylo / Innova as per the program & Maxi Cab or Tempo traveler will be provided if travelling in Group.
• Inner line Permit to restricted areas (Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake)
• Wildlife fee for Pangong Lake

THE ABOVE PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:-

• 2.58% Government Service tax
• Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Prices included".
• Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls
• The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary
• Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
• Guide fee, camera fee, Soft or Hard drinks, Starters.
• Any Monument & Museum Entrance Fees for the sights mentioned in the Itinerary
• Medical & Travel insurance
• Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc

Hotels Incorporated:--